Parliament grills Finance Minister-designate Ofori-Atta today

Finance Minister-designate Ken Ofori-Atta will face Parliament’s Appointments Committee today, March 25, 2021.

He would undergo vetting for the same position he occupied in the last four years after President Akufo-Addo nominated him again for the same position.

The first batch of ministerial nominees underwent vetting in February but Mr Ofori-Atta missed out due to complications he suffered from a COVID-19 bout in December.

The 62-year-old was scheduled to appear before the Appointments Committee of Parliament for vetting on February 18, 2021.

But a statement from the government said, “Mr Ofori-Atta had medical complications, which doctors advise require further interventions not currently available in Ghana”.

He is expected to be screened after he returned to the country on Monday, 22 March 2021.

Issues expected to dominate his vetting include Ghana’s increasing debt stock, the controversial Agyapa royalties deal, efficient revenue mobilisation and government expenditure for 2020.

It’s Been A Miracle To Be Alive – Ofori-Atta

In his first public comment after seeking medical attention in the United States, Mr Ofori-Atta recounted the “very trying period,” adding that “it has been a miracle to be here”.

“God has been merciful, and I am particularly grateful for the prayer support,” he said.

He was grateful to his family and support from Ghanaians, as he sang praises unto God.

He alluded to the Bible and how God saved Peter from prison, comparing it to how he has been miraculously saved.

“The doctors here (US) have been fantastic and dedicated but even they, acknowledge that there must be someone upstairs who is watching over you because the numbers have been so critical”.

He was speaking during an online Post Budget Forum organised by PricewaterhouseCoopers on the 2021 Budget.