Ato Forson leads Ghana’s push for investment at IMF–World Bank meetings

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson is spearheading Ghana's delegation to the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group in Bangkok, Thailand. The talks, which span from October 12 to 18, will see participants discuss the economic challenges facing the global economy. Dr Forson is accompanied by Bank of Ghana Governor Dr Johnson Asiama and other high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Finance and the central bank.

During the meetings, the delegation will engage in bilateral talks with senior IMF and World Bank officials, attend investor briefings, ministerial gatherings, and take part in the sovereign debt roundtable and discussions with business entities. These events stem from Ghana's completion of the final review of its Extended Credit Facility arrangement in July 2026 and its transition to a 36-month Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI), a non-financing IMF program.

The PCI aims to maintain fiscal stability and demonstrate Ghana's dedication to preserving its economic progress. Dr Forson is slated to discuss the implementation of the PCI and the reforms necessary to achieve these goals. He plans to emphasize Ghana's recent economic achievements and commitment to fiscal discipline, as well as outline priorities for the government's new economic program, set to be revealed in the 2027 Budget in November.

His focus will be on fortifying partnerships with multilateral institutions, drawing investment into crucial sectors, and advocating for a global financial system that attends to the needs of emerging and developing economies. Bank of Ghana Governor Dr Asiama has indicated that Ghana will fine-tune the PCI and align on crucial aspects during the annual meetings. The delegation is also expected to collaborate with African partners to progress discussions on reforming the global financial structure.

The meetings take place amidst worries about excessive debt, surging energy costs, and the uneven advantages of the artificial intelligence boom. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva cautioned during her opening remarks in Singapore on October 7 that these pressures pose risks to the global economy, calling for prompt policy action.

World Bank President Ajay Banga also commented to Reuters, stating that while global growth has proven more resilient than expected following disruptions to oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, mounting pressures from rising diesel and fertiliser prices, and the likelihood of severe El Niño conditions, remain.