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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said Ghana stands a good chance of turning its economy around adding that the country’s economic prospects in 2017 are encouraging.

Annalisa Fedelino, IMF Chief of Mission to Ghana made the statement today in Accra at a press conference after the 4th Review of its Programme with the country which is expected to end in April 2018.

According to the Chief of Mission, economic growth in the country is expected to pick up whilst inflation is also declining.

She said the IMF is encouraged by the Ministry of Finance’s plan to control tax exemption and tax evasion as well as strengthen spending discipline and Public Financial Management.

Whilst indicating the readiness of the IMF to continue to support the country, the Chief of Mission said more needs to be done by the country in order to strengthen macro-economic stability.

The Minister of Finance, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta said government will address challenges of the economy in a manner that won’t compromise the development of the private sector. He mentioned provision of tax reliefs, import duty exemption, strict enforcement of Public Financial Management Laws and removal of ghost names from government’s pay roll as some of the measures taken to put the economy in good shape.

Deputy Minister of Finance and MP for Obuasi West, Hon. Kweku Kwarteng who later spoke to Peace FM on some of the issues discussed at the review meeting with the IMF delegation said the decision on whether government will seek extension of the IMF program for the country will be taken by government after a careful consideration of what the program will contain for the country.