…as Government Pays $300 Million to Eurobond Holders
In a bold move to restore investor confidence and attract more foreign direct investment, the Government of Ghana has successfully released US$300 million to service debt owed to Eurobond holders, a move analysts say is critical in restoring investor confidence in the country’s creditworthiness.
The payment, effected on July 3, 2025, covers coupon payments due to holders who agreed to participate in Ghana’s ambitious Eurobond Debt Exchange Programme concluded last year.
According to official sources, the Ghana cedi component of the payment had already been transferred to the Bank of Ghana, which subsequently remitted the funds through its correspondent banks in Europe and the United States. These transactions were processed via the Debt Service Accounts—special funds created to ensure timely payments on restructured obligations.
This latest tranche marks the third payment Ghana has made since October 2024 when it resumed servicing Eurobond debts following a comprehensive renegotiation with creditors.
Ghana’s recent history with Eurobond debt has been turbulent. By 2023, the country’s external borrowing had reached unsustainable levels, with Eurobond liabilities totaling approximately $13 billion. To avert a full-blown default and regain access to international capital markets, the government embarked on a series of debt restructuring negotiations with bondholders.
In 2024, the parties agreed to exchange old bonds for new instruments under revised terms, which included lower coupon rates and extended maturities. As part of the settlement, Ghana paid $120 million in consent fees to incentivize participation. By the end of last year, nearly all bondholders had consented to the exchange, paving the way for the resumption of payments.
January 2025 marked the first Eurobond servicing by the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, who has maintained a consistent policy of fiscal consolidation and honoring debt obligations.
Economic observers note that the prompt servicing of Eurobond debt could have significant implications for Ghana’s credit ratings and borrowing costs. Over the past three years, Ghana’s sovereign ratings were repeatedly downgraded due to rising debt, dwindling foreign reserves, and concerns about the government’s ability to meet its obligations.
“Each timely payment strengthens Ghana’s credibility in the eyes of international investors,” commented an Accra-based fixed-income analyst. “It is an important signal that the government is committed to rebuilding trust and staying current on its restructured debts.”
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme under which Ghana is implementing reforms has also contributed to improving market sentiment. Fiscal consolidation measures and prudent monetary policies are helping to stabilize the macroeconomic environment, which, together with debt servicing, could eventually lead to credit upgrades in the medium term.
While the latest $300 million payment is an encouraging milestone, Ghana’s Eurobond obligations are far from over. Another payment is scheduled for August 2025, as part of the agreed repayment schedule. Meanwhile, servicing of bilateral creditor debt is expected to commence in 2026, following the conclusion of negotiations with official lenders.
Government officials have emphasized that the Debt Service Accounts will remain adequately funded to cover these future obligations without derailing domestic spending priorities. According to the Finance Ministry, the combination of IMF support, improved tax revenue, and ongoing expenditure rationalization will sustain Ghana’s capacity to meet both domestic and external debt obligations.
For international bondholders, the payment offers reassurance that Ghana is emerging from the recent period of debt distress. It also provides evidence that the country is committed to honoring the commitments it made during the debt exchange process.
One portfolio manager specializing in African sovereign debt noted: “The fact that Ghana has now completed three payments in less than a year demonstrates a credible turnaround story. If this trend continues, we will likely see spreads tighten, making it cheaper for Ghana to raise capital in the future.”
Indeed, yields on Ghana’s restructured Eurobonds have started to decline gradually, indicating growing optimism about the government’s repayment capacity.
While significant challenges remain, Ghana’s latest payment to Eurobond holders is a vital step in restoring financial stability and rebuilding investor confidence. By maintaining discipline in debt servicing, the government is sending a clear message to creditors and development partners that it intends to meet its obligations without compromise.