8-member C’ttee to probe allegations against Ofori-Atta amid threats of censure

Parliament has put together an eight-member ad-hoc committee to investigate allegations for the motion of censure raised by the Minority Caucus against the embattled Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta.

According to Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, forming the committee will give the Minister an opportunity to respond to issues of conflict of interest raised by the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu.

“The evidence will be placed before the committee. The Minister will have the opportunity to defend himself. A report will be presented to the House, and we will debate that report,” the Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin said.

The Committee will be co-chaired by Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga East, Dominic Ayine, and NPP MP for Adansi-Asokwa KT Hammond and will have to present their report to the House in Seven (7) days.

The committee will be made up of Eight (8) members with four (4) from each side of the House.

The Speaker made the ruling after the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, moved the motion for the vote of censure against Mr Ofori-Atta on the Floor of the House on Thursday, November 10, 2022.

The Minority Leader argued that the depreciation of the cedi, the record of inflation, the excessive borrowing and the reckless spending, and the failure to control fuel prices clearly show that the Finance Minister is incompetent and should not be allowed to continue staying in office.

The Tamale South MP added that Ghana’s economy is presently in a ditch” and urged the Majority side of the House to join the motion to impeach the Finance Minister to so that investors will once again have confidence in the economy and save it from total collapse.

However, the Minority Leader’s request was turned down by the Majority side, with the Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin stating the call by the Minority Leader is in bad faith and not procedural.

He argued that issues raised by the Minority Leader border on criminality adding that Parliament cannot arrogate to itself judicial powers to try the Finance Minister, and called on the Speaker to allow Mr. Ofori-Atta to defend himself before any decision is made.