Ofori-Atta deserves credit for our recovery and growth

General news for Thursday, November 5, 2020

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

2020-11-05

Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has called on critics of Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to blame him for Ghana’s recent economic recovery and growth rather than attack him.

According to the Minister and Member of Parliament (MP) of Ofoase Ayirebi, the ingenuity and excellence of Ofori Atta is what has driven the ability of the Akufo-Addo administration to mobilize resources for the recovery and growth of the Ghanaian economy .

Speaking to the press on the sidelines of the nation-building updates, Nkrumah said that the billions of inherited debts paid off, the new resources injected into agriculture and industry, the resources mobilized to keep the lights on and the Funding of key flagship programs testifies that Mr. Ofori Atta has done very well in fulfilling his mandate.

“It is not surprising that some people who may be disgusted with the steady rise of Ofori Atta and the consequences of some of the economic reforms take advantage of the Special Prosecutor’s comments on the Agyapa transaction and twist it in an effort to denigrate Mr. Ofori. Atta. But the Ken I know will stay focused and offer even more, “he said.

The minister spoke in reaction to comments approved by the standard-bearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, calling for Ofori Atta’s removal.

“If all Finance Ministers before him had worked with such diligence, humility and frankness, Ghana would be ten times better today. But in Ghana, when you work hard and do it selflessly, it still won’t protect you from unwarranted attacks.

“It is indisputable that President Akufo-Addo has been exceptional in keeping his promises and in cleaning up the mess he inherited. A key person who has helped him do that is Ken Ofori Atta. His prudence, resource mobilization ability and service have been instrumental in this. Celebrate it. Don’t make the regular Ghanaian defeat you, “he added.

The Finance Minister has come under fire after a corruption risk assessment conducted by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in the Agyapa Royalty transaction.

However, Mr. Nkrumah was quick to defend his colleague, noting that the transaction went through all available levels of scrutiny and is a good deal in the interest of Ghanaians. He mentioned that the president’s directive for parliament to start scrutinizing the deal again is welcome and would help reinforce confidence in the transaction in the future.