The Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa has reiterated calls for the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta to resign from office.
Speaking in an interview on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, Mr Sulemana Braimah said although Mr Ofori-Atta has exhibited signs of a good leader by apologising for the hardship being endured by Ghanaians, he has to resign.
“All said and done, I am still firmly of the opinion that he must go,” Mr. Sulemana stated.
According to him, if the Minister truly admits to the hardship, he would have resigned long ago.
This follows Mr Ofori Atta’s apology to Ghanaians for the prevailing economic hardship when he appeared before the ad hoc committee considering a censure motion against him on Friday.
“Let me use this opportunity to say to the Ghanaian people what I believe, with courage, every Finance Minister around the world may wish to say to their people now. I am truly sorry,” he said.
However, he blamed the economic situation on external factors.
This notwithstanding, Mr. Braimah said the Finance Minister should resign.
Meanwhile, 98 NPP MPs have resolved to boycott the budget presentation and all Finance Ministry-related business should the President refuse to sack Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta immediately.
This new number is an increase from the previous 80 NPP MPs who had earlier demanded the removal of the Finance Minister and the Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, Charles Adu-Boahen.
According to the Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem North, Andy Appiah-Kubi, who doubles as spokesperson for the group, Mr. Ofori-Atta’s position in government has become untenable, hence the fresh demand for his resignation.
His comment comes after the group had earlier relaxed its demand following a meeting with the President, Nana Akufo-Addo.
In a statement signed by Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, President Akufo-Addo had appealed for the sector minister to be allowed to stay till after the budget presentation and appropriation of same, to which the MPs agreed.
However, with the Finance Minister now facing a vote of censure from the Minority side of Parliament, the NPP MPs are convinced it is time for him to leave.
Source: My Joy Online
