Gov’t Targets 78 Billion Cedis Through T-Bill Issuance

The Government of Ghana is set to raise GH¢78.441 billion from the money market during the third quarter of 2024, reflecting a strategic approach to manage its financial needs and rollover existing debts.

This move is a continuation of the government’s reliance on short-term securities, especially treasury bills (T-bills), as a vital tool for domestic financing.

The government’s borrowing plan for the third quarter is designed to cover both existing debt obligations and new financing needs. Specifically, out of the total GH¢78.441 billion, GH¢53.807 billion will be used to rollover maturing short-term securities.

This rollover is crucial to maintaining market stability and ensuring that the government meets its debt obligations without creating liquidity challenges.

The remaining GH¢24.633 billion represents fresh issuances aimed at meeting the government’s financing requirements for ongoing and new projects.

The Issuance of these T-bills will be conducted weekly through the primary auction, where investors can bid for the 91-day, 182-day, and 364-day bills. Settlement of these transactions will occur on the transaction date plus one business day, ensuring a swift and efficient process.

Flexibility

In a notice issued by the Bank of Ghana, it was emphasized that the gross borrowing amount of GH¢78.441 billion is indicative and serves to guide the market. The actual amounts may be adjusted as needed when transaction advertisements are published.

This flexibility allows the government to respond to changing market conditions and investor sentiments, ensuring that the borrowing strategy remains aligned with the broader economic goals.

Additionally, the government has indicated that it may update the issuance calendar on a rolling monthly basis. This approach will enable the government to reflect a full quarter financing program while adapting to any unforeseen economic developments.

The calendar Is developed based on the 2024 domestic maturities for the period and the Net Domestic Financing (NDF) targets set in the 2024 Budget Statement and Economic Policy.

Borrowing in 2024

The decision to raise GH¢78.441 billion in the third quarter comes on the heels of significant borrowing activity in the first half of 2024. The government borrowed GH¢115.77 billion during this period, marking a substantial 70.22% increase over the same period in 2023.

This surge in borrowing highlights the government’s continued reliance on the domestic money market to meet its financing needs amidst ongoing economic challenges.

During the first six months of 2024, the government received total bids worth GH¢116.07 billion from investors, indicating a strong demand for government securities. This robust investor interest reflects the broader trends in the Ghanaian money market, where treasury bills have become increasingly attractive as a low-risk investment option.

In the face of long-term uncertainties in government bonds, investors have turned to T-bills to balance their portfolios and secure competitive real returns.

As Ghana tries to turn the tide on its economic challenges, the government’s strategy of raising GH¢78.441 billion via T-bills in the third quarter of 2024 reflects a pragmatic approach to managing its financing needs.

While this strategy has been effective in maintaining market stability and securing necessary funds, it also underscores the importance of carefully managing debt levels to ensure long-term economic sustainability.

Investors, policymakers, and stakeholders will be closely watching the developments in the money market as the government continues to implement its borrowing strategy.