The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has imposed a structural benchmark on Ghana, requiring the finalization of a comprehensive stock-take of payables accumulated by all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
This involves designing a payable clearance plan and laying out a structural reform plan to reduce the future accumulation of arrears.
The objective of this action is to gain clarity on the current situation regarding the stock of payables of the central government, including statutory funds, and ensure their clearance with appropriate prioritization and in a timely manner by June 2023.
The information suggests that Ghana has been facing challenges related to the accumulation of payables or unpaid obligations by various government entities.
This accumulation of arrears can lead to financial strains, disrupt service delivery, and increase uncertainty for suppliers and creditors.
The comprehensive stock-take of payables aims to provide a detailed assessment of the outstanding obligations across all MDAs, including statutory funds.
This assessment will help understand the extent of the issue and identify specific areas where payables have accumulated.
By designing a payable clearance plan, Ghana seeks to establish a systematic approach to address the accumulated payables.
This plan is likely to involve prioritizing payments based on urgency and importance, ensuring that critical obligations are met in a timely manner.
Additionally, the structural reform plan aims to tackle the underlying causes of payables accumulation and prevent their future build-up.
This may involve implementing reforms in financial management, procurement processes, budgetary planning, or other areas that contribute to the accumulation of arrears.
The objective of gaining clarity on the current situation regarding payables and ensuring their clearance in a timely manner underscores the importance of addressing the financial obligations of the central government.
Timely clearance of payables can help restore confidence, maintain good relationships with suppliers and creditors, and create a more stable financial environment.
Failure to achieve the objective of clearing payables and implementing structural reforms could have various consequences. It may result in continued financial strain, disrupted service delivery, and strained relationships with suppliers and creditors.
It could also lead to a deterioration of the government’s fiscal position and hinder economic recovery efforts.
By finalizing the comprehensive stock-take, designing a payable clearance plan, and laying out a structural reform plan, Ghana aims to address the challenges associated with payables accumulation and establish a more sustainable financial framework.
This will contribute to improved financial management, enhanced credibility, and the effective allocation of resources to priority areas.
Policy Impact Analysis
1. Service Delivery Disruptions: The accumulation of payables by government entities can disrupt service delivery in essential sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.
Delays in payments to suppliers and contractors can lead to project delays, inadequate maintenance, and limited access to crucial services for citizens. This can negatively affect their quality of life and impede socioeconomic development.
2. Financial strains on suppliers and creditors: The unpaid obligations or arrears can create financial difficulties for suppliers and creditors who rely on timely payments to sustain their operations. Small and medium-sized businesses, in particular, may face cash flow problems, struggle to pay their own employees, and experience a decline in their financial stability.
This can have a ripple effect on employment, business growth, and economic stability.
3. Uncertainty and insecurity: The accumulation of payables creates uncertainty for suppliers and creditors, as they are unsure when or if they will receive payment for their goods or services.
This uncertainty can hinder business planning, investment decisions, and long-term partnerships.
It may also discourage suppliers from engaging with government entities in the future, leading to a limited pool of suppliers and potentially higher costs for goods and services.
4. Fiscal constraints and reduced public investments: The failure to clear payables and implement structural reforms can further strain the government’s fiscal position.
The financial resources that could have been allocated to productive investments, public services, or social welfare programs may need to be redirected to clearing the outstanding obligations.
This can result in reduced public investments, limiting the government’s ability to address pressing needs and promote economic development.
5. Economic recovery challenges: The accumulation of payables and delayed payments can hinder economic recovery efforts. It can undermine investor confidence, discourage private sector participation, and impede the flow of funds within the economy.
These factors can contribute to a slower economic recovery, reduced job creation, and prolonged economic hardships for citizens.
By finalizing the comprehensive stock-take, designing a payable clearance plan, and implementing structural reforms, Ghana aims to mitigate the negative impacts on citizens.
Clearing payables in a timely manner, prioritizing critical obligations, and implementing reforms can help restore stability, support service delivery, and rebuild trust with suppliers and creditors.
It would also create a more favorable environment for economic recovery and foster sustainable socioeconomic development.
The writer is an economic policy and financial analyst.
By: Korsi Dzokoto
Fellow, Upsilon Pi Delta Institute
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