BoG Pursues Financial Independence

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has reiterated its commitment to financial independence as it distances itself from the controversial practice of financing government budgets.

This bold move aligns with the Central Bank’s broader strategy of restoring institutional credibility, optimizing operational efficiency, and returning to positive equity in the medium to long term.

The Central Bank’s renewed stance comes in the wake of a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2023 between the BoG and the Ministry of Finance, which formalized a joint commitment to a zero-budget financing framework. The agreement aims to ensure that the Central Bank refrains from lending to the government, a practice that has previously attracted criticism from economic analysts for contributing to inflation and currency depreciation.

In the recently released 2024 Financial Statement audited by Deloitte, the BoG emphasized that it would strictly adhere to the zero-financing principle.

This marks a critical policy shift that supports the Bank’s long-term goal of reinforcing macroeconomic stability while signalling greater transparency and accountability in public financial management.

Strength

Beyond halting direct budget financing, the Bank of Ghana is also implementing a raft of internal reforms designed to bolster profitability and operational efficiency.

According to the 2024 Financial Statement, the BoG is optimizing its investment portfolio and cost mix.

These measures, the Bank notes, will enhance its financial resilience and help it fulfill its core mandate effectively.

The BoG further disclosed that its Board of Directors has initiated several actionable steps to restore the Central Bank’s equity position, which has been under significant pressure in recent years.

These efforts are anchored on a medium- to long-term outlook, aiming to build a financially sound institution capable of navigating economic uncertainties without resorting to state support.

Despite recording significant losses in recent years, the BoG maintains that its policy solvency outlook remains stable. The Central Bank is optimistic that it will continue to operate efficiently on a going-concern basis.

It insists that with continued reforms and a favorable macroeconomic environment, it is well-positioned to meet its policy objectives.

“The policy solvency outcome for 2024 is consistent with the view held in 2023 that the Bank will continue to operate efficiently and effectively on a going concern basis and achieve its policy mandate,” the report states.

Rates

A key part of the Bank’s optimism lies in improving macroeconomic indicators. According to the report, the downward trajectory of inflation is expected to continue into the medium term, which will lead to a reduction in interest rates.

This, in turn, will lower the cost of the Bank’s Open Market Operations (OMO), a critical tool used to manage liquidity and stabilize the currency.

“As macroeconomic conditions continue to improve and inflation declines toward the medium-term target, interest rates will also decline and as a result the cost of Open Market Operation will reduce,” the BoG report stated.

With inflation trending downward and interest rates set to follow, the Central Bank is confident that exchange rate volatility will also subside.

This is particularly significant for Ghana’s economy, which has suffered from currency depreciation in recent years. A more stable exchange rate will boost investor confidence and contribute to a more predictable business environment.

The Bank of Ghana’s commitment to ending budget financing represents a major step toward achieving financial independence and restoring public trust.