Economic Policy Advisor at the Office of the President, Seth Terkper, says President John Mahama is satisfied with Ghana’s economic performance in the first half of his administration, pointing to currency stability and fiscal reforms as key achievements.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s 'The Point of View' with Bernard Avle on June 30, Mr. Terkper highlighted several positive macroeconomic indicators, most notably the successful fourth review of the IMF-supported programme, expected to go before IMF’s Executive Board in July.

“As a halfway mark within the first year, I would say satisfactorily. Because there are measures that you have to use to say I’m consciously optimistic or happy.”he said

He acknowledged that although the government is new, it brought the necessary experience to drive reforms forward.

“We came in as a new government, of course, with some experience to complete the 4th review of the IMF programme. It will be going to the board this July, all indications, including the staff, that is your measure.”

The Presidential advisor also noted ongoing improvements in fiscal consolidation, particularly in clearing arrears like pensions.

“We know that we have a lot of liabilities to be paid, and we know one or two of them that were paid, like the pensions.

“The staff who came into the country are saying that things are going well. The various structures, measures, benchmarks and things have been met. You can be cautiously optimistic that the IMF board will pass your programme and you will get some injections into the economy, which is the essence of an austerity programme.”