BoG flags external-sector pressures ahead of MPC decision

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has identified mounting pressure on the country’s external position as one of the key risks confronting the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) as it considers its latest policy stance. Governor Dr Johnson Asiama says the decline in international reserves, a weaker current account and a slowdown in gold shipments require careful assessment, particularly ahead of the expected increase in foreign exchange demand in the fourth quarter. Speaking at the opening of the 132nd Monetary Policy Committee meeting, Dr Asiama said gross international reserves currently provide about 4. 2 months of import cover, while the current account is projected to record a deficit in the third quarter. He also noted that gold shipments have slowed, with GoldBod pausing exports since mid-August. “Rebuilding reserves will be a key priority for the bank in the coming months indeed,” he said.

According to the Governor, the external position will determine how much policy space the Bank of Ghana can safely use, despite relatively stable domestic macroeconomic conditions. “The domestic position affords policy space indeed. The external position determines how much of it can safely be used,” he said. Dr Asiama also pointed to rising global risks, with the Middle East conflict pushing up energy prices and creating tighter global financial conditions. Brent crude, he said, had risen from above $85 per barrel at the previous MPC meeting to about $107 per barrel as of last week. He said the stronger US dollar and tighter global financial conditions had also weighed on emerging-market currencies, including the cedi. Domestically, the Governor said headline inflation stood at 5% in August, although this remains below the Bank’s target band of 8% ±2%. However, inflation has increased from…