Debt exchange programme will destroy savings of Ghanaians – Pensions Chamber

The Chamber of Corporate Trustees has rejected the debt exchange programme proposed by the Ministry of Finance.

According to the chamber, the proposal put forth by the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, is inferior to market expectation and will destroy the savings of Ghanaians and further undermine market confidence.

“We have carefully analysed the announcement by the Minister of Finance on the Debt Exchange Programme and are of the opinion that it is injurious to the interest of contributors to pension schemes”, it said in a statement.

“The proposal as put forth by the Minister of Finance is inferior to market expectation and will destroy the savings of Ghanaians and further undermine market confidence. This is why we reject it outright”, it explained.

It assured contributors to pension schemes that the industry has not agreed to the debt exchange programme proposed by the Ministry of Finance.

“As Trustees, we hold a fiduciary responsibility and are enjoined to seek the best interest of contributors at all times”, it stressed.

It further stated that though it recognises that inflation has caused significant harm to pension fund assets this year and that there is an urgent need to reduce the government debt burden and restore macroeconomic stability that should however not be done to the detriment of contributors to pension schemes.

“We share in Government’s call for burden sharing, but that should be done in the spirit of fairness to ensure a win-win outcome to all stakeholders”, the chamber added.

It urged contributors to pension funds and actors in the pensions industry to remain calm “as we seek the best outcome in our negotiations with the Ministry of Finance”.

“We will duly inform members of the outcome of our deliberations”, it concluded.