I Am Sorry: Ofori-Atta Pleads with Ghanaians Over Economic Challenges

Beleaguered Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta says he feels the stress and hardships Ghanaians are going through.

In submitting his initial remarks to the Parliamentary Ad hoc Committee inquiring into the allegations by the Minority against him on Friday, Mr. Ofori Atta admitted that the country is facing economic difficulties, which he acknowledges as the key official responsible for the finances of the country.

“Today, I acknowledge our economy is facing difficulties, and the people of Ghana are enduring hardships… “As the person President Akufo-Addo has put in charge of the economy, I feel the pain personally, professionally, and in my soul,” Mr. Ofori-Atta stated.

He indicated, however, that he is determined to change the lot of Ghanaians, as the stress and pressure they feel empower him to always press on despite the challenges.

“I feel the stress of running a business. But it is the strength and perseverance of the Ghanaian people that inspire me and my colleagues in government every morning to press on.”

“That is what gives me the strength to press on to find solutions and relief for Ghanaians to the myriad of problems that our country and the rest of the world are facing, especially since March 2020,” he continued.

There has been persistent demand for the removal of Mr. Ofori-Atta from both sides of Parliament, civil society, and a wide section of Ghanaians.

98 members of the majority side have registered their disapproval of a proposal by President Akufo-Addo for the Finance Minister to stay until after the IMF negotiations and the laying of the 2023 budget statement in Parliament.

The majority has promised to stage a boycott on the floor of the house if the minister still decides to present the budget.