Kwaku Kwarteng’s justification for turning down Akufo-Addo’s appointment
The Member of Parliament for Obuasi West, Kwaku Kwarteng has announced his reasons for declining President Akufo-Addo’s appointment as Deputy Finance Minister.
His appointment together with ministers on February 14, 2024, was part of President Akufo-Addo’s significant cabinet reshuffle since his assumption of office in 2017.
Earlier, reports were indicating that Mr. Kwarteng and the lawmaker for Effiduase Asokore Dr Nana Ayew Afriyie had declined their appointment by the President.
Justifying the authenticity of the said report, Mr Kwarteng who served as Deputy Finance Minister in President Akufo-Addo’s first term in a statement released on Friday, February 16, 2024, said “The role of Parliament in the work of the Executive, especially in matters relating to finance and economy, is critical. It is my humble belief that I can better support the work of government from Parliament.
“I also intend to play a dedicated role in the crafting of the NPP’s messages and governance strategies going forward and going into the 2024 general elections. I consider that I am better placed to do so as a non-ministerial Member of Parliament.
“Following media reports that I have declined an invitation to serve in the Executive arm of government, I find it necessary to clarify these publications as follows:
“First, I am thankful to the President for the opportunity he provided me to serve as the Deputy Minister for Finance between 2017 and 2021. I am also thankful and humbled by the knowledge that our President found me worthy to serve in the Executive in the recent reshuffle”.
I declined for the following reasons:
(i) The role of Parliament in the work of the Executive, especially in matters relating to finance and economy, is critical. It is my humble belief that I can better support the work of government from Parliament.
(ii) I also intend to play a dedicated role in the crafting of the NPP’s messages and governance strategies going forward and going into the 2024 general elections. I consider that I am better placed to do so as a non-ministerial Member of Parliament.
“I am eternally grateful to the President for his fatherly influence on my political career and will always stand ready to support his vision in whatever ways I can” he added.
Find the full statement below;