A legal battle is brewing in Ghana as a private legal practitioner, Jonathan Amable, has filed an urgent application to the Supreme Court, seeking to halt what he alleges are unconstitutional government borrowing practices.
The application, filed on December 10, 2024, contends that the government’s borrowing activities violate Article 181(4) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates parliamentary approval for all terms and conditions of government borrowing.
Amable argues that the government’s failure to obtain parliamentary approval for its borrowing activities could have severe economic consequences, including increased public debt, potential tax hikes, and debt restructuring.
He further asserts that these actions could undermine public trust in government and erode the rule of law.
The Supreme Court is expected to hear the case on an expedited basis due to the urgency of the matter and its potential impact on the country’s economic stability.
As of October 2024, Ghana’s public debt stood at GH¢761 billion, with a debt-to-GDP ratio of 74.6%.
While the government has taken steps to reduce its debt burden, concerns remain about the sustainability of its borrowing practices and the potential risks to the economy.
