IMANI, IISD call for stronger fiscal council to boost Ghana’s economic credibility
Two leading policy think tanks, IMANI Africa and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), are calling for sweeping reforms to strengthen Ghana’s Fiscal Council, warning that the country’s economic credibility depends on its effectiveness in the coming years.
In a set of recommendations tailored to Ghana’s political and economic context, the organisations argued that the Council must be empowered with broader responsibilities, improved technical capacity and transparent institutional processes if it is to deliver on its mandate of promoting fiscal discipline and stability.
Expanding the Role
The first set of proposals, described as “Foundational Decisions,” calls for an expanded role for the Fiscal Council beyond its current advisory function to government. IMANI and IISD recommend that the Council actively support Parliament with independent fiscal analysis, improve public communication and ensure board members are chosen for their technical expertise rather than political loyalty.
According to the two think tanks, such steps are critical to winning public trust and strengthening the Council’s independence.
Building Technical Capacity
On “Operational Requirements,” the recommendations highlight the importance of building strong technical foundations.
This includes investing in research staff, securing timely and reliable access to fiscal data and clearly defining the Council’s role and timelines within Ghana’s budget cycle.
Without these measures, the organisations caution, the Council risks becoming a token institution rather than a driver of credible fiscal policy.
Ensuring Transparency and Relevance
The final pillar, described as “Institutional Consolidation,” urges the formalisation of the Council’s analytical and engagement processes to make them more transparent and policy-relevant.
Structuring its output in ways accessible to Parliament, civil society and the public, the groups argue, will enhance the Council’s relevance and prevent it from being sidelined in the policy space.
Safeguarding Credibility
Ghana’s recent debt crisis and persistent struggles with fiscal stability, the report noted, have underscored the urgent need for independent institutions to hold government accountable for its spending and borrowing decisions.
IMANI Africa and IISD stressed that strengthening the Fiscal Council is vital to preventing the boom-and-bust cycles that have plagued the country for decades. They urged policymakers not to treat the body as a ceremonial institution but rather as a central pillar in Ghana’s path toward sustainable public finances.
