Ghana and France have signed a bilateral agreement to officially grant Ghana debt relief under the country’s external debt restructuring programme.
France becomes the first country within the Paris Club framework to grant Ghana this relief after the country underwent a debt restructuring exercise caused by unsustainable levels post COVID-19.
While expressing gratitude at the signing ceremony, the Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson appealed to other countries within Paris Club framework to consider Ghana’s economic gains and emulate France’s gesture.
“Today is a milestone, a milestone in the sense that it has taken us some time to get here. But it is the most significant one. The most significant one, which will pave the way for others to also emulate the steps taken by France in signing this bilateral agreement”, he said.
“We expect to complete the process as soon as possible so that Ghana will breathe again.” Dr. Forson asserted in anticipation of a speedy process.
The signing comes a day after the finance minister delivered the mid-year budget statement for the 2025 fiscal year.
The ceremony hosted the French ambassador to Ghana, Jules Armand Aniambossou as well as the co-chair of the official creditors committee and the Secretary General of the Paris Club, William Roos. Also in attendance were officials from the Ministry of Finance, Official Creditors Committee and the French government.
Credit: joyonline