Osafo Maafo Supports Mahama�s Decision: Without IMF Ghana Is Heading Towards a Disaster

Over the weekend, President Mahama announced government�s decision to opt for IMF�s intervention following months of dire economic challenges facing the country. The purpose choosing this option is to support and help sustain and transform the country�s ailing economy. A former Minister of Finance in the Kufuor administration has given his thought on the matter and backed government�s decision to run to the IMF for a bailout. Mr. Osafo-Maafo in an interview with Peace FM noted that as at now, Ghana has no choice than to arrange for a programme with the IMF. According to him, the nation stands to benefit enormously from this initiative. When it comes to management of the economy, Mr. Osafo- Maafo is optimistic discipline would order our steps. �From 2008 even without oil, our GDP was 8.4 and it rose to 14 in 2011 when we discovered oil. But even with oil inclusive, it has currently dropped to 6% so the question we must ask ourselves is that if we hadn�t found the oil, where would we be by now. Our national-international reserve stood at 3.1 billion but has drastically dropped to 900million. This tells us that without the support of IMF, Ghana is heading towards a disaster�,Mr. Osafo- Maafo said. He stated that he foresee the IMF adding more specific conditions to the bailout.