Samuel Atta Akyea
The Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea, has joined a growing chorus of voices urging Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to step down, citing both personal and government interests.
For months, demands for Ofori-Atta’s resignation have been mounting, as Ghana continues to grapple with persistent economic challenges. The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has particularly vocalized its criticism, consistently blaming the Finance Minister for the country’s fiscal difficulties.
Speaking in an interview on Citi Tv on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, Mr. Atta-Akyea emphasized the importance of self-reflection for Ofori-Atta, suggesting that he considers his position for both his own well-being and that of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
“What is very frightening is the fact that you have a whole army of people saying look, you’ve had enough…I think that could be a way for him to relax.
Look at all the burdens on one man. So it is his individual decision to make as to whether he should go or he should continue,” Atta-Akyea stated.
Atta-Akyea further asserted that Ofori-Atta’s resignation might even contribute to a calmer political climate for both the government and the nation as a whole.
“He should look at himself and the troubles that everybody believes. I mean, when he is not there, then the nation will have peace…He should save himself and save the government and have his peace because he needs it,” Atta-Akyea added.
Additionally, the Abuakwa South MP and former Works and Housing Minister criticized those who wrongly attribute the country’s economic woes to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Acknowledging that the economy is currently facing challenges, he described it as “unkind” and “cruel” to place blame on Dr. Bawumia for the economic issues within the Akufo-Addo government.
Mr. Atta-Akyea highlighted that the vice president has been serving in a challenging role, facing adversarial circumstances that have hindered him from making certain critical decisions for the country.
As the clamour for Ofori-Atta’s resignation persists, it remains to be seen how the Finance Minister and the government will respond. The ongoing economic challenges in Ghana have intensified the calls for new strategies and a possible reshuffling within the Ministry of Finance, as the nation seeks to navigate its path towards economic recovery and stability.
By Vincent Kubi