This Is Not The Time To Rejoice – Ablakwa To Bible Quoting Ofori-Atta
North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has taken a swipe at Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta for constantly quoting bible scriptures in the face of glaring hardships.
The legislator is concerned that the sector minister appears to be unbothered about recent happenings, especially senior citizens who have resorted to picketing at the Finance Ministry to voice out their concerns over the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme.
“Mr Speaker, today, is a sad day. This is a country that had so many prospects. The first black nation to have attained independence. A shining black star. We used to be the poster child of economic growth, and democratic stability. This was a country that many other African countries were asked to emulate. Today, all of those gains have been eroded.
“We are on the bridge of economic catastrophe, and economic disaster, all because of a Finance Minister who has betrayed the trust of the Ghanaian people. Mr Speaker, what is even more obnoxious is the Minister’s opening remarks that this is the time to rejoice in the Lord. Jesus Christ of Nazareth! Rejoice in the Lord. At this time,” Mr Ablakwa said.
According to Mr Ablakwa, the perfect scripture that describes Ghana’s current situation is Proverbs 29:2. The verse states that “when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn”.
The North Tongu legislator insists this is no time to rejoice but rather mourn.
“This is no time to rejoice, if the Minister is still rejoicing then our problem is bigger than I ever imagined because it tells us that the President, Vice President and Finance Minister are in a bubble. They are totally out of touch, they are in a world of their own and they are still in a rejoicing mood.
“And to think he can even come to Parliament and tell us to rejoice in the Lord at a time when senior citizens, the aged and vulnerable, people who have served this country with distinction are picketing for days and the president has not even invited them to voice their concerns.
“When the Finance Minister met them, he even said in the Akan language help me and let me help you. He is rather saying help me and let me bury you. Taking people’s hard-earned money and apart from rejoicing, you’re also quoting the wrong scriptures,” he added.
The Finance Minister was in Parliament to explain reasons for the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), its impact in the coming years and whether pensioner bondholders have been exempted from the programme.