Real fiscal test awaits Ghana after 2026 – Joe Jackson
Dalex Finance Chief Executive Officer, Joe Jackson, has expressed concern about Ghana’s ability to maintain fiscal discipline after the completion of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reforms program in 2026.
He said Ghana’s real fiscal battle will begin after 2026 when the country completes the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reforms program.
He explained that the government already knows what needs to be done to maintain stability and must remain disciplined.
Mr. Jackson stressed the need for government to spend within its means, borrow responsibly and ensure that any borrowing is directed toward growth-oriented investments and infrastructure.
He warned that if Ghana reverts to its old fiscal habits after exiting the IMF program, the country could face another intervention making it the 18th since independence.
“So the question is very simple can we maintain the discipline that is required?
Do we always need a big stick behind us from the IMF that is the question only the politicians can answer because they control the public purse and we if return to the bad old behavior after we exit the imf the same thing will happen”, he stressed.
The Dalex Finance CEO indicated that he is not concerned about 2026 because Ghana will still be under the program. However, he believes the period after 2026 will determine whether the country can manage its finances prudently without external control.
He observed that in the past, the country borrowed and spent recklessly on consumption on programs like the Free SHS, trainee allowance and projects that did not yield any value.
He maintained that such behaviour could return if discipline is not sustained.
Joe Jackson concluded that the IMF currently acts as a “big stick” enforcing fiscal discipline but after 2026, Ghana will be on its own, and that is when the true test of financial responsibility will begin.
