Bright Simons, Vice President of IMANI Africa, has called for urgent reforms to programmes implemented by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG), citing a lack of sustainability mechanisms, accountability, and structural transition in their current frameworks.
In an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the recently concluded IMF and World Bank spring meetings in Washington, DC, Mr. Simons criticised the short-term focus of IMF loan-supported programmes and the limited effectiveness of World Bank development initiatives.
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He argued that repeated returns by countries like Ghana to the Bretton Woods institutions for economic assistance highlight the ineffectiveness of current programmes in delivering lasting reform.
“The short-term nature of IMF programmes, without clear transition plans or follow-up by other development agencies, leads to a cycle of dependency,” Mr. Simons stated. “The World Bank’s accountability is mostly to governments — the same governments they supervise, which weakens enforcement and transparency.”
He called for including civil society in monitoring and implementation processes to ensure stronger accountability and better outcomes. Citing failed initiatives in Ghana, such as expensive drone surveillance programmes for drainage monitoring and illegal mining that vanished without a trace, he stressed the need for checks and balances.
“A new minister came and said you can’t find them. Nobody can find where they are,” he said, highlighting the lack of follow-through in government-led projects.
Mr. Simons urged the IMF and World Bank to redesign their programme structures to empower civil society, improve policy literacy, and strengthen local capacity to enforce reforms and ensure long-term impact.
“The power held by government officials often serves political and business interests. Reforms must shift this dynamic to promote inclusive development,” he added.
