By Albert Oppong-Ansah
Accra, Aug. 22, GNA – Civil society leaders have commended Dr Leandro Medina, outgoing International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Resident Representative to Ghana, for fostering inclusive dialogue under the ongoing Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme.
The tribute was paid at a farewell lunch organised by the Economic Governance Platform (EGP) in Accra.
Speakers praised Dr Medina’s commitment to strengthening engagement between the IMF and Ghana’s civil society. The ECF programme was approved in May 2023.
Professor Godfred A. Bokpin, Professor of Economics and Finance at the University of Ghana, described Dr Medina as open to divergent views.
“We have, at times, disagreed openly with the IMF, but you never closed the door on engagement. These interactions sharpened our thinking and practice.
“You are leaving at a time when Ghana’s macroeconomic indicators are beginning to improve, a testament to the hard work and collaboration under your leadership,” he said.
Mrs. Beauty Emefa Narteh, Executive Secretary of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), praised Dr Medina’s inclusive style, noting that he built on the foundation laid by his predecessor, Mr. Albert Touna Mama.
“You ensured that the momentum of civil society engagement with the IMF was not only maintained but also strengthened. This was evident when CSOs were the first stakeholders the IMF Managing Director, Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, met during her first visit to Ghana last year,” she said.
Mr. Abdulkarim Mohammed, EGP Coordinator, and Mr. Benjamin Boakye, Executive Director of the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), both lauded Dr Medina’s efforts to create space for civil society dialogue ahead of each review mission.
“Your commitment to include our perspectives in IMF-related discussions is deeply appreciated,” Mr. Mohammed said.
“This approach strengthened our ability to contribute meaningfully to policy discussions,” Mr. Boakye added,
In response, Dr Medina expressed gratitude for the partnership with Ghana’s civil society.
“Effective collaboration does not require agreement on every issue. Even in our differences, we found common ground to advance Ghana’s economic progress.
I remain open to continuing these engagements, even as I move on,” he said.
The event was attended by leading figures from civil society and academia, including Dr Kojo Asante of CDD-Ghana, Mrs. Mary Awelana Addah of Transparency International Ghana, and Dr Steve Manteaw, Chairman of the Civil Society Platform on Oil and Gas (CSPOG).
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey