Finance Minister to appear before Parliament today over Debt Exchange Programme

The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta will today, Thursday, February 16, appear before Parliament over the controversial Debt Exchange Programme (DDE). 

The Minister is expected to brief the house on the exercise. 

The Speaker of Parliament summoned the Minister after the North Tongu MP raised the matter in the house. 

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s concern was due to the ongoing picketing at the Finance Ministry by pensioner bondholders for an exemption from the programme.

Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin presenting the business statement of Parliament last Friday said it was necessary for the Minister to appear before Parliament to provide answers to questions raised by constituents of members of the House.

“Mr. Speaker, on the issue of the DDEP, pursuant to your directive, we engaged the Finance Minister, and we have his assurance to be here on Thursday, February 16, 2023,” the Effutu MP said. 

The DDE was fiercely opposed by groups and individuals after it was announced.

But upon completion of the exercise, the Ministry of Finance said it achieved 85% of the target. 

Meanwhile, members of the Pensioner Bondholders who are demanding an exemption, say they would be in Parliament to witness proceedings.

“We had information that Parliament was trying to get the minister to Parliament. We have also heard that the meeting was scheduled for Thursday. Because we are not going to converge on the day, we will go to Parliament to see what is happening there,” the Convener for the Pensioner Bondholders, Dr. Adu Anane Antwi said.

Source: Ghana News