Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu delivers 2021 budget as Ofori-Atta battles COVID complications

President Akufo-Addo has directed the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, to present the 2021 Budget and Economic Policy to Parliament, in the absence of Finance Minister-designate Ken Ofori-Atta.

Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah disclosed this at a press briefing at Peduase Lodge on Monday, March 8.

It is the duty of the Finance Minister to present the budget to parliament. However,  Mr Ofori-Atta is unable to do so as he is seeking treatment for COVID-19 complications in the United States.

The Majority Leader in Parliament has therefore been given the green light to present the budget to the House on Friday, March 12.

Earlier reports suggested Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen, while others pointed at Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, chair of the Economic Management Team.

A statement from government said, “After recovering from COVID-19 last December, Mr Ofori-Atta had medical complications, which doctors advise require further interventions not currently available in Ghana”.

The 62-year-old was scheduled to appear before the Appointments Committee of Parliament for vetting on February 18, 2021.

But due to his ill-health, his vetting was postponed until his return.

Issues expected to dominate his vetting include Ghana’s increasing debt stock and the controversial Agyapa royalties deal.