'Ghana needs watchdogs, not cheerleaders' - Bright Simons calls out empty praise politics over IMF endorsements

Ghana needs scrutiny, not praise. This was the strong message from Bright Simons, Vice President of IMANI Africa. He shared his views during an interview on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition.

Ghana recently exited the IMF programme earlier than expected. Simons warned against celebrating too soon and without substance.

He stated, “We’ve turned the IMF into a blesser and an endorser of performance.” He emphasized that Ghana needs watchdogs, not cheerleaders.

Simons criticized the structural limitations of the International Monetary Fund. He pointed out that it is an intergovernmental organization. It cannot realistically be a serious critic of governments.

“How can it scrutinise the same people who sit on its board?” he asked. He described the IMF’s role as conflicted. Its focus is more on reassuring global investors than holding governments accountable.

“The IMF has strong incentives to say the program is doing well,” Simons explained. They helped design it, making negative assessments difficult for them.

He noted that the Fund’s strategy relies on optimism. They must signal good news to attract investment in Ghana. But this creates a problem when reality is different.

Civil society must step up to fill this gap, he urged. “Our domestic surveillance mechanism is broken,” he said. Civil society's influence over elites in Ghana is limited but necessary.

Simons accused leaders of using IMF praise for political gain rather than real reform. “The Minister will say, ‘The IMF says we are great,’” he noted.

He urged citizens to be less easily swayed by such theatrics.

While acknowledging some benefits of IMF programmes, Simons stressed they cannot replace local reform efforts. “Anyone relying entirely on IMF surveillance is not mature enough,” he said.

Ghana needs stronger internal systems and independent voices, according to him. He expressed concern that exiting the IMF sends a misleading signal about progress.

“We’re not out of the woods,” he cautioned. Ending the programme allows government claims of success while ignoring unmet targets.

His message to Ghanaians? Be sceptical and demand more accountability.

“We shouldn’t let endorsement replace accountability,” he concluded. “We must question, investigate, and verify.” Otherwise, it becomes mere performance—politics over purpose.