The incoming Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has affirmed his respect for former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, clarifying his widely discussed remarks on the reign of the former President.
Mr. Buah made the remarks after the former President’s final State of the Nation Address (SONA) on January 3, drawing criticism, particularly from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who labelled the comments as harsh and disrespectful.
However, during his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, January 27, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ellembele emphasised that his remarks were not intended to attack the former President personally but were instead a reflection of the public sentiment regarding the performance of his administration.
“I have enormous respect for President Akufo-Addo and any president who occupies this highest office of our land.
“The decisions they are confronted with are enormous and grave, and I don’t think we take that lightly at all. My comments were directed at his government, reflecting the views of the Ghanaian people who felt they had gone through significant hardships,” he stated.
Mr. Buah’s response came after Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh sought clarification on the tone of the comments, which many perceived as scornful.
The nominee defended his remarks, asserting that as the then-Deputy Majority Leader, he had a responsibility to articulate the frustrations of Ghanaians.
On whether he would retract his comments with the benefit of hindsight, Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah stood by the essence of his statement, noting that it resonated with the people.
He however admitted that, “If there are words that came out sounding disrespectful, I regret them.”
Despite his explanations, Mr. Annoh-Dompreh pressed further, questioning the tone and phrasing of the remarks.
In response, the nominee said, “If there are alternative words that better convey the sentiments I expressed, I am open to using those words in the future.”
Background
It would be recalled that former President Akufo-Addo’s final SONA, Mr. Armah Kofi-Buah, in his capacity as the then acting Minority Leader, delivered a strongly worded response criticizing the administration’s performance.
He cited widespread economic hardship, unsustainable debt levels, youth unemployment, and what he described as “reckless borrowing.”
“The people of Ghana have already given their verdict on the true state of the country, and that verdict is clear: economic hardship, huge debt, high youth unemployment, hopelessness, and more,” he said on January 3.
He also singled out the controversial National Cathedral project as emblematic of the administration’s misplaced priorities, adding, “Mr. President, you will be remembered as the first president who was cushioned by the IMF when you began and are still being cushioned at the end of your term.”
However, during his vetting, Mr. Buah reiterated that his remarks were not personal but rather reflective of the frustrations of the Ghanaian people.
He maintained his respect for the former President and all leaders who have occupied the highest office, acknowledging the weight of their responsibilities.
