Insiders within the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) have disclosed a growing strain in the relationship between Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, particularly concerning the management of the nation’s economy.
The conflict is reportedly centered on economic policies, leading to a strained association between the two high-ranking officials.
Member of Parliament Samuel Atta Akyea, representing Akim Abuakwa South, has hinted at the discord, characterizing their association as “adversary.” President Nana Akufo-Addo and Finance Minister Ofori-Atta, often referred to as “Husband and Wife” within the NPP, are seen as key figures in the worsening economic crisis.
Despite their supposed understanding, reports suggest that the Finance Minister does not actively participate in Economic Management Team meetings chaired by Dr Bawumia. The intensifying conflict has left insiders puzzled about the President’s inaction, especially with the approaching general election and the promise to break the 8-year electoral cycle of governing parties.
Internal unrest within the government has been exacerbated by the Finance Minister’s implementation of a 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity consumers to boost revenue for the COVID-19 recovery program. MP Atta Akyea has urged Ofori-Atta to consider stepping down for his well-being and the government’s benefit, while calls for the Finance Minister’s resignation mount amid the country’s ongoing economic challenges.
Surprisingly, powerful presidential cousin Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko is reportedly advocating for the Finance Minister’s exit from the government. NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua has also called on fatigued ministers, CEOs, and MMDCEs to resign instead of undermining the party’s progress.
In December last, he declared “If you are a minister, a CEO or an MMDCE and you have not been reshuffled and you think you are tired resign. Don’t sabotage the party.” he added.
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has also been outspoken in attributing the current fiscal difficulties to Ofori-Atta.
In a Face to Face interview on CITI TV on Tuesday, January 16, Atta-Akyea emphasized the importance of self-reflection on Ofori-Atta’s part, suggesting that stepping down could bring relief to both him and the NPP.
Expressing concern about the burdens on Ofori-Atta, Atta-Akyea highlighted that the Finance Minister’s resignation could contribute to a more peaceful environment for the government and the nation at large.
Furthermore, Atta Akyea criticized those who blame Vice President Bawumia for the economic challenges, acknowledging the tough economic conditions but refuting the notion that Dr. Bawumia is solely responsible.
He emphasized the Vice President’s challenging role and suggested that attributing economic issues solely to him is unkind and unfair.
“For me, what is very frightening is the fact that you have a whole army of people saying look you’ve had enough…I think that that could be a way for him to relax. Look at all the burdens on one man. So it is his individual decision to make as to whether he should go or he should continue.”
Atta-Akyea went further, stating that Ofori-Atta’s resignation might even contribute to calmer waters for both the government and the nation.
“He should look at himself and look at all the troubles that everybody believes that I mean when he is not there then the nation will have peace, if that is what is the thinking of the people, I will advise myself. He should save himself and save the government and have his peace because he needs it, a man cannot be troubled in the manner in which he has been troubled,” Mr Atta Akyea said.
Mr. Atta Akyea also criticized individuals who hold Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia responsible for the country’s economic challenges.
He acknowledged that the economy is currently not in its best form, describing it as ‘unkind’ and ‘cruel’ for anyone to attribute economic issues in the Akufo-Addo government to Dr. Bawumia.
Mr. Atta Akyea insisted that the vice president was in a very serious adversary role that prevented him from making some sensitive decisions for the country.
The NPP’s General Secretary has also expressed similar concerns about the impact of certain appointees’ actions on the party’s popularity and urged those tired to resign and make way for new faces.
He additionally called on President Nana Akufo-Addo to conduct a reshuffle to bring fresh perspectives, stating that such changes are essential for the NPP to achieve its objectives and retain power in the next election.
“If you are tired, resign and leave so the party can retain power,” Kodua said during the party’s annual Thanksgiving service at its headquarters in Accra.
“If you are a minister, a CEO or an MMDCE and you have not been reshuffled and you think you are tired resign. Don’t sabotage the party,” he added.
He stressed the importance of appointing new faces to propel the NPP towards achieving its objectives, urging the president to consider reshuffling the government for the party’s continued success.
“It is time for some changes in the government, so we get some new faces to continue. We believe that if we get new appointments, we will be able to retain power in the next election,” Kodua added.