Despite fervent appeals from several NPP Members of Parliament for the dismissal of Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, their efforts seem to have hit a wall.
Andy Kwame Appiah-Kubi, the MP for Asante Akim North, disclosed the party’s seemingly unsuccessful attempts to influence President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s decision concerning Ofori-Atta’s position.
In an exclusive interview on Neat FM, dated October 23, 2023, Appiah-Kubi revealed the collective desire among NPP MPs for Ofori-Atta’s removal from office.
However, he acknowledged the limitations imposed by the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which empowers only the president to dismiss a minister.
“… there is no provision to compel him (the president) to do what we proposed. Those of us who wanted Ofori-Atta removed did all we could within the remit of the law but the constitution gives the president the ultimate power,” explained Appiah-Kubi, expressing a sense of resignation over the issue.
“The constituency even states that the president may remove any of his appointees even if a vote of censure is passed against them… So, it is not binding on the president to remove him, if he wants, he would remove him; if he doesn’t, he won’t,” he said in Twi.
The MP further emphasised their powerlessness in altering the President’s stance: ““So, that is it. There is nothing we can do about it (Ofori-Atta’s removal)“
Appiah-Kubi, a lawyer, also disclosed how he, along with other NPP MPs advocating for the Finance Minister’s dismissal, stepped back from obstructing governmental proceedings in Parliament, considering the broader national interest.
This stance comes in the wake of an agreement within the NPP circles, compelling MPs to attend the 2023 budget reading by Ken Ofori-Atta. This agreement was part of the resolutions from a crucial meeting on November 23, 2022, which underscored support for Ofori-Atta in presenting the budget and ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
These developments followed intense speculation about a possible boycott of the budget presentation by about 98 NPP MPs if Ofori-Atta were to present it.
Despite the internal opposition, it appears that the Finance Minister, for now, stands firm in his role, highlighting the intricate balance of power and decision-making within the political corridors of Ghana.