Govt to settle US$590m Eurobond and domestic bond obligations by December 31 – Ato Forson

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has announced plans to settle Ghana's US$590 million Eurobond obligation due on January 2, 2027, together with the February 2027 domestic bond repayment, by December 31, 2026.

He assured investors holding the country's Eurobonds that the government would honour all outstanding principal and coupon payments in full and within the agreed timelines.

Presenting the 2027 Budget Statement to Parliament on November 12, Dr Forson said the two transactions would result in more than GH¢36 billion in debt obligations being cleared ahead of their scheduled maturity dates.

"Mr. Speaker, a further US$590 million in Eurobond obligations falls due on 2nd January 2027.

"Mr. Speaker, we intend to pay off both the 2nd January Eurobond and the February domestic bond by 31st December 2026.

“Again, to our Eurobond holders, hear me clearly: every dollar owed to you, principal and coupon, will be paid in full and on time,” he said.

The Finance Minister disclosed that approximately GH¢53 billion in Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) bond obligations would mature in February and August 2027 alone.

He said the government was also building sufficient financial buffers in the Debt Service Reserve Account to meet upcoming interest payments.

"Mr. Speaker, we are building enough buffers in the Debt Service Reserve Account to cater for the GH¢11.1 billion of interest falling due in February 2027 and subsequent interest payments," he assured Parliament.

Dr Forson acknowledged that the debt restructuring exercise had imposed significant financial hardships on Ghanaians, stressing that the government had a responsibility to ensure that future borrowing was undertaken responsibly and supported by credible repayment plans.

He said the financing and borrowing reforms outlined in the 2027 Budget were intended to strengthen fiscal discipline, improve debt management and prevent the country from returning to unsustainable borrowing practices.