The phrase 'Eii Ato', which became popular after the vetting of Bryan Acheampong as the Minister-designate for Agriculture in February this year, has resurfaced in Parliament on Thursday, August 3, 2023.

The Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, used the expression several times to mock the Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, during the debate on the 2023 Mid-Year Budget presented by the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.

Afenyo-Markin accused Ato Forson of incompetence and failure when he was the Deputy Finance Minister under the previous NDC administration. He cited examples such as the inability to draw down on the $3 billion CDB loan for gas infrastructure, and the suspension of disbursement under the IMF deal in 2014.

He also challenged Ato Forson's credibility to question the performance of the current Finance Minister, whom he described as a visionary and competent leader.

He further claimed that Ato Forson did not do anything to improve the lives of the people in the Central Region, where he hails from, or to alleviate poverty levels in the country.

He said the NDC had not introduced any new person or idea to the economy, and had failed the people of Ghana during their eight years in office.

He contrasted this with the achievements of the NPP government, such as the implementation of Free SHS, the construction of landing beach projects for fisherfolk, and the provision of relief packages amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Below is a transcript of Afenyo-Markin's statement in Parliament:

This is the same Ato Forson. Ato. Is it the same you? Is it Ato Forson? Eii Ato! Eii Ato! Eii Ato Forson! Were you not the person who could not draw down on the CDB loan? Were you not the one who could not implement successfully the IMF facility that disbursement seized? Are you not the same person? Yes! I tell you on authority that during your time you could not successfully implement the IMF deal. Sit down! Mr. Speaker, This is the same Ato Forson, who today want to create a certain impression about the finance minister. Now you see say it dey sweet you. Sit down! Mr. Speaker, this is the same Ato Forson.

The NDC party has not introduced any new person. Mr. Speaker, they have not. They have not introduced a new idea. The NDC party, led by its Ato Forson in this parliament, are not new to this economy. Mr. Speaker, they had an opportunity to rule.

They were in office for 8 years. They failed the people of Ghana. This government came and implemented a free SHS. This government came and used another route to ensure that our fisher folks have had a relief.

Today, we have ten landing beach projects gone going. Honourable Ato Forson, the then Deputy Finance Minister from Central Region, could not do anything, any physical infrastructure to turn around the coastal economy. Ato Forson could not lead such a charge for the people of central Region.

Ato Forson and his team of NDC MPs could not at the time do anything to alleviate the poverty levels, but today they are enjoying the liberties of opposition to criticize this government it is strange it is rich, it is rich to hear Ato Forson, it is rich to hear and his NDC MPs attacking Ken Ofori-Atta on grounds of competence What, what, what, what a call! Ato Forson, what a call!Source: The Independent Ghana|P.M.A Roberts