Senior lecturer at the Political Science department of the University of Ghana, Legon, Prof. Ransford Gyampo is shocked Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is being kept at post to complete the negotiations between the government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
According to him, it is baffling that the Finance Minister who on several occasions kicked against calls to seek IMF support is now unable to step aside from the talks with the Fund.
Speaking to TV3 on the Key Points programme on Saturday, October 29, Prof. Ransford Gyampo indicated that Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta should explain why all of a sudden he believes in the IMF and wants to continue leading the negotiations.
“Why do you want to complete a deal you have not believed in? You owe it a duty to explain that previously, [you] didn’t believe in IMF but now [you] believe in it,” the UG Political Science lecturer shared.
Calls for the dismissal of the Finance Minister reached their peak last week when the Majority Caucus in Parliament added their voice.
Members of the caucus in a message to the President threatened to boycott government businesses in Parliament and the hearing of the 2023 Budget Statement if President Akufo-Addo refuses to remove Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta.
However, after a sit-down meeting with the President, the Majority caucus agreed to suspend their demand until the Finance Minister finishes talks with the IMF for the support programme.
The calls for his sacking will be revisited by the Majority MPs after the Finance Minister concludes negotiations with IMF and presents the budget to Parliament.
Meanwhile, a motion of censure to have the Finance Minister removed filed by the Minority in Parliament has been admitted by the Speaker of Parliament for consideration.
Source: Modern Ghana
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