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Opinions of Sunday, 26 March 2023

Columnist: Abeiku Cobbinah

Time to study monetary economics: Debt respite as against debt revocation

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Debt respite is a term that is often misunderstood and confused with debt revocation by many. While both concepts involve relieving a country or someone of their debts, there are significant differences between the two that are important to understand.

Debt respite is a temporary suspension of debt payments. This means that for a certain period, a debtor is not required to make payments on their debts. This can be helpful for countries of individuals who are experiencing temporary financial difficulties, such as a job loss or unexpected medical expenses on the part of individuals and economic downturn on the part of countries.

The purpose of debt respite is to give individuals and countries the time and space they need to get back on their feet financially, without the added stress of having to make debt payments.

On the other hand, debt revocation is the complete cancellation or forgiveness of a debt. This means that the debtor is no longer required to make any payments on the debt, and the debt is essentially wiped clean. Debt revocation is typically reserved for extreme circumstances, such as when a debtor is unable to pay their debts due to a disability or other long-term financial hardship.

It is important to note that debt respite and debt revocation are not interchangeable terms. Debt respite is a temporary solution that can provide relief for individuals and countries that are struggling financially, but it does not erase the debt. Debt revocation, on the other hand, is a permanent solution that forgives the debt entirely.

Furthermore, it is also important to note that debt respite does not mean that interest or fees will not accrue during the period of non-payment. In some cases, interest may continue to accrue, which can make the debt even more difficult to repay in the long run. Debt respite is also not a guarantee and is subject to the terms and conditions of the creditor.

In conclusion, debt respite and debt revocation are two distinct concepts that should not be confused with each other. Debt respite can provide temporary relief for individuals and countries that are experiencing financial difficulties, while debt revocation is a permanent solution that forgives the debt entirely.