The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has warned that it will deal with Members of Parliament who will disregard the party’s directive to abstain from a scheduled vote of censure by the Minority Caucus against Ken Ofori-Atta, the Minister for Finance.
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) lawmakers are starting a process in Parliament on Thursday (10 November) to remove Ofori-Atta from office due to the current economic challenges.
Under the constitution of Ghana, once a vote of censure is passed against a minister the president may revoke his appointment if he does not resign.
Speaking to Kwaku Nhyira-Addo on The Asaase Breakfast Show on Thursday (10 November), Richard Ahiagbah, director of communications of the NPP said the Majority MPs must prioritise the interest of government.
“When there is any such occurrence, I think it will be dealt with or addressed as and when it happens according to the party’s constitution,” Ahiagbah said in response to errant lawmakers.
“But I can assure you that the NPP will work to ensure that the government continues to deliver on its mandate to the Ghanaian people and our MPs are aware that, they are a key part of that delivering of promise to Ghanaians and they will act accordingly,” Ahiagbah said.
Don’t sack Ofori-Atta
Meanwhile, the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has said sacking Ofori-Atta “might not be the panacea” to solving Ghana’s current economic challenges.
Some members of the Majority Caucus in Parliament have mounted pressure on President Nana Akufo-Addo to sack Ofori-Atta and the minister of state at the Ministry of Finance, Charles Adu Boahen, to restore public confidence in the Ghanaian economy.
However, speaking at a meeting with Ofori-Atta on Thursday (3 November), the AGI boss Dr Humphrey Ayim-Darke pledged the association’s support to tackle the economic turmoil that has been exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine war.
“We believe that the exit of a minister might not be the panacea to all our woes of what we have gathered here to share. The performance and ability to circumvent the position we find ourselves in, should be the trump card,” Ayim Darke said.
“As challenging as it would be, our support to our government must be paramount… you have our pledge, you have our support that together we shall navigate this course,” he added.