Call for Dismissal of Ofori-Atta Reiterated by NDC Minority.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Minority has repeated its call for the removal of Finance Minister, Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta, citing alleged incompetence in the management of the economy. Speaking at a press conference in Accra, Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the Minority Leader, urged the President to spare Ghanaians the agony of seeing Ofori-Atta still in charge of the economy.
The NDC’s directive that the Party’s Minority Parliamentary Caucus should not approve the President’s Ministerial nominees was also discussed. Dr. Forson stated that the NDC Minority Caucus would participate in the vetting process but would not subscribe to a consensus vote at the level of the Appointments Committee.
Despite taking part in the vetting process, Dr. Forson stated that the matter would be brought before the full House for a vote to be taken in secret. The Minority remains committed to ensuring greater scrutiny and will spare no effort to protect the public purse. Ghana’s economic mismanagement by the Akufo-Addo regime was highlighted, with Dr. Forson stating that Ghana was currently going through the worst economic times in its history.
The level of indebtedness was noted, standing at over GHS 600 billion, representing about 103 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP), the highest level of indebtedness in the 4th Republic. Inflation was also galloping at hyper levels, and Ghanaians were faced with daily price increases beyond the reach of the majority of the people.
Dr. Forson also addressed the size of Government, calling for immediate steps to reduce the number of political appointees at the Office of the President. He appealed to the President for a reduction in the number of Ministers from 86 to 65 and advocated the merger of Ministries, citing the merger of Information and Communication, Transport and Railways; Chieftaincy and Tourism; and Sanitation and Local Government.
Finally, he asked for an immediate reduction in the number of political appointees at the Office of the President.