The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) during its press conference indicated that, it observed that execution of the budget for the first quarter was broadly in line with targets although there was a minor deviation in the deficit target, stemming largely from low revenue receipts.
The improvement in export earnings was attributed to crude oil and non-traditional exports. Crude oil export receipts recorded significant growth of 61.0 per cent to US$1.9 billion, due to price effects, while gold exports improved by 3.6 per cent, also supported by price effects.
This has therefore lay bare the inflation targeting regime of the central bank, which it uses to control economy in terms of currency exchange rate and rate of economic growth, to criticisms by some economists as to whether it real works the magic or it is a 'try your luck' theory.
The MPC need to decide on the current policy rate, which stands at 17%. The policy rate, which influences interest rates for individuals and businesses, is also used as a tool to curb inflation in the country.
Some economists have predicted that, the MPC bimonthly review of the economy will ‘sweat’ to arrive at policy recommendations that balance its mandate to tame the unprecedented inflation spike, manage liquidity issues, and growing the economy.
The Sovereign credit rating downgrades of Ghana by Fitch and Moody’s led to “widened yield spreads on both cedi-denominated government of Ghana bonds and the country’s Eurobonds”, the Bank of Ghana has said.