I feel the pain of extreme economic hardships in my soul – Ofori-Atta
Minister for Finance Ken Ofori-Atta has acknowledged the pain and suffering of the Ghanaian public due to extreme economic hardships.
Although the economy is in a dire state and fighting for recovery, the sector minister says he is inspired and motivated to find solutions to the current crisis.
“Since the Akufo-Addo government came into office in 2017, all that we have sought to do was aimed at making the lives of the people better. We have been focused on this vision to improve lives. In the first four years, our efforts were leading to the realisation of this vision.
“Today, I acknowledge our economy is facing difficulties, and the people of Ghana are enduring hardships. As a person President Akufo-Addo has put in charge of this economy, I feel the pain personally, professionally and in my soul. I see and feel terrible about the impact of the rising prices of goods and services.
“I feel the stress of running a business, but it is the strength of the Ghanaian people that inspire me and my colleagues in government every morning to press on and find relief for Ghanaians for the mirage of problems that our country and the rest of the world are facing, especially since March 2020,” the sector minister noted.
Mr Ofori-Atta said this in his opening remarks before the eight-member ad hoc committee of Parliament during the censure motion hearing on Friday, November 18, 2022.
He also used the opportunity to apologise to Ghanaians for the recent economic hardships.
“Let me use this opportunity to tell Ghanaians what this country and every Finance Minister around the world may wish to say to the Ghanaian people now. I am truly sorry.
“When we set out purposely in 2017, we didn’t imagine that the global pandemic with its prolonged economic fallouts would inflict such pain and suffering on the Ghanaian people. The shock to our system has been hard, and the impact on our livelihood severe, but we have not been resting. We continue to work and keep the lights on,” he said in a heartfelt address.
Background
It will be recalled that on October 25, 2022, the Minority in Parliament filed a censure motion against the Finance Minister in compliance with Article 82 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.
The Minority explained that the decision was based on the “alarming incompetence resulting in the collapse of the Ghanaian economy” and some ethical breaches.
Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu insists the record inflation rate, depreciation of the cedi, excessive borrowing, reckless spending, and the failure to control fuel prices are clear indications that the Finance Minister is not fit to continue in his role.
Although the majority had earlier declared its support, it made a u-turn, claiming the Minority’s motive for removing Ofori-Atta is ill-intended and ultimately differs from their demands.
The committee, composed of eight members, with four from each side of the House, is expected to submit its report for consideration within seven days.
NDC Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga East, Dominic Ayine, and NPP MP for Adansi-Asokwa KT Hammond are co-chairing the committee.