The Majority in Parliament have boycotted the voting process on the censure motion against Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
This was after a fierce debate from both sides of the House and a decision by Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin for Parliament to proceed with a secret vote on the censure.
In his concluding statements after contributions from various MPs and the Minority in Parliament, Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu raised multiple concerns.
Among the issues he raised was that the Supreme Court was the appropriate forum for some of the issues raised by the Minority as grounds for the removal of Mr Ofori-Atta.
“That is why the Attorney-General quoted Article 2 of the Constitution”.
The experienced legislator and MP for Suame stated: “If you are alleging that what he [Finance Minister] has done is in breach of the constitution, what is required of you? Take the matter to the Supreme Court for declaration. That is what it means. You cannot try him here and, without any declaration from the Supreme Court, tie him like a goat and take him to the slaughterhouse. Mr Speaker, where from this?
After concluding his statement, he pointed out that the Majority were “washing their hands from the issue”.
Together with Deputy Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the leaders from the NPP side of the House exited the House, after which the Speaker directed that the secret ballot should proceed.
Background
It will be recalled that on October 25, 2022, the Minority in Parliament filed a censure motion against the Finance Minister in compliance with Article 82 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.
The Minority explained that the decision was based on the “alarming incompetence resulting in the collapse of the Ghanaian economy” and some ethical breaches.
Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu insisted the record inflation rate, depreciation of the cedi, excessive borrowing, reckless spending, and the failure to control fuel prices were clear indications that the Finance Minister was not fit to continue in his role.
Although the Majority had earlier declared its support, it made a u-turn, claiming the Minority’s motive for removing Ofori-Atta was ill-intended and ultimately differed from their demands.
The committee, composed of eight members, with four from each side of the House, was expected to submit its report for consideration within seven days.
NDC Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga East, Dominic Ayine, and NPP MP for Adansi-Asokwa KT Hammond were committee co-chairs.
The Minority in Parliament stated the following as the basis for which Mr Ofori-Atta should be removed:
1. Despicable conflict of interest ensuring that he directly benefits from Ghana’s economic woes as his companies receive commissions and other unethical contractual advantages, particularly from Ghana’s debt overhang.
2. Unconstitutional withdrawals from the consolidated fund in blatant contravention of Article 178 of the 1992 constitution, supposedly for the construction of the President’s Cathedral.
3. Illegal payment of oil revenues into offshore accounts in flagrant violation of Article 176 of the 1992 constitution.
4. Deliberate and dishonest misreporting of economic data to Parliament.
5. Fiscal recklessness, leading to the crash of the Ghana cedi, which is currently the worst-performing currency in the world.
6. Alarming incompetence and frightening ineptitude, resulting in the collapse of the Ghanaian economy and an excruciating cost of living crisis.
7. Gross mismanagement of the Ghanaian economy, which has occasioned untoward and unprecedented hardship.