‘I will not take moral lessons from the brothel’ – Ursula replies Ato Forson

The communications minister, Ursula Owusu Ekuful has hit back at the minority spokesperson on finance, Cassiel Ato Forson after he asked her to retract her “illegal” order to telcos in the country.

Mrs Owusu-Ekuful directed the telecommunication companies to immediately stop the upfront deductions of the Communications Service Tax (CST) and treat it as any other levies imposed on entities in the country.

Ato Forson in a letter to the minister questioned her authority to order the telcos to stop the upfront deductions.

But in a strongly worded response to the Ajumako Enyan Essiam MP, the minister said he cannot order her about on how to execute her work.

“Kindly note that while respecting your right to interpret the law the way you choose, i am not bound to accept either your reading, understanding or interpretation of the law”.

“it is that power which i exercised in issuing policy directives to regulate the manner in which customers are treated by the telecoms companies. we insist on them being treated respectfully and in a non-discriminatory manner which also provides value for their money. I’m sure you will not disagree with me on this” the letter read.

It further stressed that “however, if you feel strongly that customers do not deserve this kind of treatment, you know what to do and you are entitled to your opinion. your remedy does not lie in issuing orders and instructions to me on how to do my work. as the adage goes, if i want lessons in good morals, i certainly will not go to the brothel for it”.

The letter concluded by saying “i respectfully decline your invitation as you are not the proper authority to declare what is or is not legal in this country”.