Saturday, 25 July

DDEP: Govt to honour August coupon payment in full – Ato Forson assures

News
Dr Cassiel Ato Forson

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has assured holders of Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) bonds that the government will honour the next coupon payment in full and on schedule.

Presenting the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament, Dr Forson said the seventh DDEP coupon payment, amounting to GH¢10.8 billion, is due on August 18, 2026.

"Let me use this opportunity to assure this House that it will be paid on time and in full," he told Parliament.

The Finance Minister noted that the government had already honoured the sixth DDEP coupon payment of GH¢10.1 billion on February 17, 2026, paying bondholders in full and on schedule.

Dr Forson said the timely servicing of the domestic debt obligations demonstrates the government's commitment to restoring confidence in Ghana's debt market following the implementation of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme.

He added that, since January 2025, the government had also paid a total of US$2.1 billion in principal and interest to Eurobond holders without placing undue pressure on the country's foreign exchange reserves.

"There was a time when the world doubted us. Today, every payment made on time answers that doubt, assuring bondholders in London, pension funds in New York and investors at home that our word is our bond," he said.

According to him, Ghana's consistent repayment of its debt obligations has helped restore investor confidence.

"Payment after payment, coupon after coupon, Ghana is proving one thing beyond dispute. We now keep our word," he said.

Dr Forson said the government's disciplined fiscal policies and prudent debt management had significantly improved market sentiment with borrowing costs falling by half.

He said the reduction in borrowing costs had saved the country GH¢4.2 billion in the first six months of the year.

The Finance Minister added that declining treasury bill rates were also contributing to lower lending rates across the banking sector, making it less expensive for households and businesses to borrow, invest and expand.

He further noted that Ghana's Eurobond yields had fallen by about 300 basis points since the beginning of the year, describing the development as a strong vote of confidence by financial markets in the country's economic reforms and fiscal management.

Source: classfmonline.com/Prince Benjamin