Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta is not to blame for the nation's economic problems, according to Sammi Awuku, director general of the National Lottery Authority (NLA).Mr Awuku believes it is purely coincidental that Ghana’s economic woes have been exacerbated at a time when Mr Ken Ofori-Atta heads the Finance Ministry.

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He explained that the Finance Minister is a victim of circumstance because the economy has been hit by COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war; two events that are beyond his control.“In this world, at times, situations can conspire against you. It may not be your fault, but you will be held responsible. When that time comes, and you access the situation, and you make the best decision out of it.

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In one of such situations, is what our current finance minister also faces. You have no control over this world economy, the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, as well as COVID-19,” Mr Awuku said.The NLA boss mentioned that it is not out of place for Ghanaians to call for the resignation of Mr Ofori-Atta especially at a time when their wellbeing has been compromised.

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He stated that this has been the case whenever economic challenges set in.According to him, there was a massive call for the head of Seth Terpker, the then Finance Minister in the Mahama-led administration in 2014.He noted that although the former Finance Minister in his time brought about some economic growth, some members of the National Democratic Congress believed he was unfit to run the economy due to the crisis that hit the economy.

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“This isn't the first time. In May 2014, 'I am under pressure to fire Seth Terkper' - Mahama, and then again, Allotey Jacob's said 'Zack Terkper', NDC gurus put pressure on Mahama.”“‘Non- performing Ministers should be sacked not Seth Terkper’ - Mahama. This means that with Finance Ministers, for one reason or the other, it looks like they aren't thinking straight,” he said.

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In 2014, the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) declined to 2.86% from 7.31% recorded in the previous year.The slump was pinned on Seth Terkper, who, according to some NDC members, would be blamed for the party’s downfall in the 2016 general elections.“Ghanaians are suffering, and he [Seth Terkper] must do something or the President must fire him. He has become a Judas in the party [NDC].

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His policies will determine our [NDC] victory or failure in 2016. Seth Terkper is our problem now,” Bernard Allotey Jacobs, then Central Regional Communications Director of the NDC, said.Mr Awuku therefore holds the assertion that Ghanaians are reacting to current situations and not what may have triggered the challenges they are presently facing.“Because you are like a coach. When you are winning, you will be given the credit.

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When you are not winning, we have to sacrifice you,” he observed.Chants for the Finance Minister’s dismissal have also been sung by some Members of Parliament belonging to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the NDC.This, Mr Awuku says, is happening because the “MPs are under pressure from their constituents” and not because they are unaware the Minister is not to blame for the challenges being faced.

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Amidst calls for the removal of Mr Ofori-Atta from his post, President Akufo-Addo has asked Ghanaians to be patient and allow the minister to complete Ghana’s negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for an economic programme.On the fate of the Finance Minister, Mr Sammi Awuku is optimistic that the best decision will be taken by the government, which will serve the interests of the country.

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“I am confident that the best decision will be taken by the government, Finance Minister, and Members of Parliament. Though we are crying in the rain, this is not a government that hasn't proved its worth,” he added. Source: The Independent Ghana

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