Govt to pay GH¢10.8bn DDEP coupon on August 18 — Ato Forson assures bondholders

The government is set to make its next payment under the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) on August 18, 2026, with Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson assuring bondholders that the GH¢10.8 billion coupon payment will be settled on schedule and in full.

Presenting the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament on Thursday, July 23, Dr Forson said the payment reflects government’s commitment to meeting its obligations under the domestic debt restructuring programme.

He disclosed that government had already completed the first DDEP coupon payment of GH¢10.1 billion, which was made as scheduled.

“On the 17th of February 2026, government honoured the first domestic debt exchange programme coupon payment of 10.1 billion cedis on time and in full,” Dr Forson told Parliament.

“The seventh DDEP coupon payment of 10.8 billion cedis falls due on the 18th of August 2026. Let me use this opportunity to assure this House that it will be paid on time and in full,” he added.

The DDEP was introduced as part of measures to restore Ghana’s debt sustainability and involved the restructuring of domestic bonds held by financial institutions, pension funds, insurance companies, individual investors and other creditors.

Dr Forson said the timely servicing of the restructured debt demonstrates government’s renewed commitment to honouring financial obligations and restoring confidence among investors following the country’s debt crisis.

He further revealed that Ghana has, since January 2025, paid US$2.1 billion in principal and interest to Eurobond holders without placing excessive 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.

The Finance Minister stressed that rebuilding confidence in the economy requires consistent repayment rather than assurances.

“Payment after payment, coupon after coupon, Ghana has proven one thing. We now keep our word,” he stated.

“That is how market confidence is rebuilt, not through speeches, but through repayment,” Dr Forson added.

The announcement comes as government continues efforts to restore investor confidence, strengthen debt management and regain access to international capital markets after completing major debt restructuring exercises.