The Government of Ghana has announced the a further extension of the expiration date of its Domestic Debt Exchange, sending the date forward to 16th January, 2023, and has subsequently amended the terms of the Domestic Exchange program.

The statement issued by the Finance Ministry announced five itemised amendments to the terms of the Domestic Exchange which is set to be captured in an Amended and Restated Exchange Memorandum to be published next week.

In making the decision to extend and modify the Invitation to Exchange, the government indicated that it considered feedback from the financial sector in relation to the need to secure internal approvals.

“The Government today announces its decision to extend the Expiration Date of the Invitation from Friday, 30th December 2022 at 4:00 p.m. (GMT) to Monday, 16th January 2023 at 4:00 p.m. (the “New Expiration Date”).

“The Settlement Date for the invitation is now expected to occur on Tuesday, 24th January 2023, or as soon as practicable thereafter, but no later than the Longstop Date which is now scheduled for Tuesday, 31st January 2023, unless further extended by the Government pursuant to the Invitation. The Announcement Date is now expected to occur on or about 17th January, 2023.”
Government of Ghana

The Government subsequently announced an extension of the Expiration Date to Friday, 30th December 2022 and the Settlement Date to Friday, 6th January 2023.

Modifications to the Invitation to Exchange

In addition to the foregoing extensions, the Government announced the following modifications to the Invitation to Exchange, which are set forth in further detail on the Term Sheet attached as Annex A to the press release.

“Offering accrued and unpaid interest on Eligible Bonds, and a cash tender fee payment to holders of Eligible Bonds maturing in 2023; Increasing the New Bonds offered by adding eight new instruments to the composition of the New Bonds, for a total of 12 New Bonds, one maturing each year starting January 2027 and ending January 2038;

“Modifying the Exchange Consideration Ratios for each New Bond. The Exchange Consideration Ratio applicable to Eligible Bonds maturing in 2023 will be different than for other Eligible Bonds; Setting a non-binding target minimum level of overall participation of 80% of aggregate principal amount outstanding of Eligible Bonds; and Expanding the type of investors that can participate in the Exchange to now include Individual Investors.”
Government of Ghana

The government explained that these modifications will be set forth fully in an Amended and Restated Exchange Memorandum, which is expected to be published during the week of 26th December 2022. “Conforming changes (including adding and modifying defined terms) in respect of the above amendments and modifications to cure ambiguity, omission, defect, error or inconsistency may be included in the Amended and Restated Exchange Memorandum”.

“As set forth in the Exchange Memorandum, the Government reserves the right in its sole discretion to extend the timetable for the Invitation at any time and to make amendments to the Invitation at any time. Any Eligible Holders whose Eligible Bonds are held on its behalf by a broker, dealer, bank, custodian, trust company or other nominee must contact such entity if it wishes to participate in the Invitation, as such entities may establish an earlier deadline to receive instructions to tender Eligible Bonds.

“In making this decision to extend and the modifications described herein, the Government considered feedback from the financial sector in relation to the need to secure internal approvals. Further, this extension affords the Government of Ghana the opportunity to consider suggestions made by all stakeholders with the aim of adjusting certain measures acceptable within the constraints of the Government’s Debt Sustainability Analysis.”
Government of Ghana

As part of efforts to address the country’s ongoing economic crisis, on 5th December 2022, the government launched a domestic debt exchange pursuant to which it invited certain holders of approximately GHS137.3 billion of principal amount outstanding of certain of the country’s domestic notes and bonds issued by the Government, E.S.L.A. Plc or Daakye Trust Plc (the “Eligible Bonds”) to exchange their Eligible Bonds for a package of new bonds to be issued by the Government (the “New Bonds”).