Speaker refers the motion of censure against Ofori-Atta to ad hoc committee

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has referred the vote of a censure motion against Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta to an ad hoc committee of Parliament.

The committee, composed of eight members, with four from each side of the House, is 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 will co-chair the committee.

Also, the minister who has come under the limelight for the wrong reasons will be given the opportunity to defend himself before the committee with counsel.

“The matter will be referred to an ad hoc committee to be investigated. 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,” Bagbin directed.

Mr Bagbin gave the directive after the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, moved the motion for the vote of censure on Thursday, November 10, 2022.

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 insists the record inflation rate, the depreciation of the cedi, the excessive borrowing and the reckless spending and the failure to control fuel prices are clear indications that the Finance Minister is 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 is ill-intended and ultimately differs from their demands.