Pensioner Bondholders Forum Demands Payment of Coupons

Pensioner bondholders in Ghana have called on the government to pay them their coupons. The convener of the Pensioner Bondholders Forum, Dr Adu Anane Antwi, has urged the government to borrow from the treasury bills market to settle their payments. He stated that pensioners are in dire need of their funds and that the situation has become a matter of life and death. The forum has threatened to resume picketing at the premises of the Finance Ministry if the government fails to act on their demands.

According to Dr Antwi, the government can borrow from the treasury bills market and pay the pensioners since it borrows from the same source to pay people holding treasury bills. He emphasized that pensioners may die if they are not paid their coupons, and the government cannot bring them back to life. Dr Antwi urged the government to pay the pensioners even if it means incurring more debts.

Last year, the government restructured its domestic debt to achieve a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This exercise involved the use of funds from various associations, including the Pensioner Bondholders. Despite strong opposition, the government used the bondholders’ funds for the program’s success. To calm tempers, the government promised a set time to pay back the bondholders’ monies.

For the most part, the government has defaulted on its promise, and tempers are rising as economic hardships persist. Local and foreign institutions have advised the government to cut down on its borrowing spree. However, the Pensioner Bondholders do not mind the government engaging in another borrowing exercise. They insist that their health situations are at stake, and their demands must be met.

In a nutshell, the Pensioner Bondholders Forum is calling on the government to pay them their coupons to alleviate their financial hardships. The government has been advised to reduce its borrowing and prioritize the welfare of its citizens. The forum has threatened to resume picketing if their demands are not met.