The Ghanaian government’s proposal to transfer 80% of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) into the Consolidated Fund for infrastructure development has triggered widespread concerns among economic analysts and industry experts.
The move, announced in the 2025 Budget Statement, has been criticized as a short-term measure that could undermine Ghana’s long-term financial stability and mineral resource management.
The MIIF was established to maximize Ghana’s mineral wealth by investing in high-yield assets and supporting the mining sector.
However, experts warn that diverting a significant portion of its resources into government expenditure risks turning Ghana into another case of resource mismanagement, similar to other resource-rich nations that failed to sustain long-term economic benefits.
Financial analyst Nii Addo Lawman has raised alarms over the proposed policy, describing it as a threat to Ghana’s financial security.
“The proposal to transfer 80% of MIIF’s funds to the Consolidated Fund may provide short-term fiscal relief, but at the cost of long-term financial security.
“This move will not only undermine MIIF’s operations but could cripple it, thereby defeating the purpose for which it was established.”
Nii Addo Lawman, Financial analyst
According to Lawman, MIIF was designed to invest in strategic assets that could generate sustainable revenue for Ghana even after mineral resources are depleted.
“Ghana risks becoming another cautionary tale of a resource-rich country that mismanages its wealth, rather than harnessing it for sustainable economic transformation.”
Nii Addo Lawman, Financial analyst
Experts have pointed to successful models in other countries that have effectively managed their natural resource wealth.
“Norway’s Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG), for instance, has grown into a $1.4 trillion fund, securing financial stability even as oil production declines.
“Bahrain’s Mumtalakat Fund also prioritizes investment over direct government spending, ensuring economic sustainability.”
Nii Addo Lawman, Financial analyst
The Norwegian model focuses on long-term investments, with clear restrictions on government withdrawals, allowing the country to generate sustainable revenues long after oil production slows down.
Experts believe Ghana could adopt a similar approach by allowing MIIF to invest strategically rather than being used as a direct funding source for infrastructure projects.
Experts Call for a Balanced Approach
While the government has defended the proposal as necessary for funding critical infrastructure projects, economic experts have urged a more balanced approach that allows MIIF to fulfill its core mandate while contributing to national development.
“Rather than stripping MIIF of its resources, a better approach would be to allow it to invest and grow, ensuring that Ghana’s mineral wealth serves the country long after the resources are depleted.
“The government could establish clear guidelines on how much can be withdrawn for infrastructure while ensuring a significant portion remains for long-term investments.”
Nii Addo Lawman, Financial analyst
Other analysts have recommended that the government consider issuing infrastructure bonds backed by MIIF’s investments, rather than directly using the fund’s capital for short-term projects.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, in presenting the 2025 Budget Statement, argued that Ghana has not sufficiently benefited from its mineral wealth, justifying the decision to redirect MIIF funds.
“We must leverage our natural resources to support critical infrastructure development and economic growth. While mineral revenues are significant, they have not been fully optimized to benefit the nation.”
However, his remarks have done little to allay fears, with many stakeholders insisting that long-term financial stability should take precedence over immediate spending needs.
The debate over the government’s proposal to transfer 80% of MIIF funds into the Consolidated Fund underscores broader concerns about resource management and long-term economic planning.
While infrastructure development is crucial, experts warn that depleting MIIF’s investment potential could lead to greater economic instability in the future.
As discussions continue, many hope the government will reconsider its approach and adopt a more sustainable strategy that balances immediate development needs with long-term financial security.
Without such a shift in policy, Ghana risks repeating the mistakes of resource-rich nations that failed to secure their economic future beyond the boom years.
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