Ofori-Atta’s disrespect to Parliament is unacceptable – Murtala
Tamale Central MP Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed has criticized Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta for failing to appear in Parliament as scheduled to brief him on the situation in the House of Domestic Debt Exchange Program (DDEP).
The Minister of Finance is expected to arrive at the DPR today, Tuesday, February 14.
However, it did not happen.
Speaking to TV3 in an interview, Murtala Mohammed said “disrespecting, disrespecting Ken Ofori-Atta is unacceptable. This is not the first time, not the second time, not the third time that he has ignored parliament.
The Ministry of Finance earlier thanked all the bondholders who voluntarily participated in the DDEP.
The program closed on Friday, February 10 after several deadlines.
Mr. Ofori-Atta has targeted over 80 percent participation amid agitations between individual bondholders and some Senior Citizens, who are seeking exemption from the Programme.
“The Government’s Domestic Debt Exchange Program (DDEP) closed on Friday, February 10, 2023 with the participation of more than 80% of eligible bonds,” revealed a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday, February 14.
“The government would like to thank the people of Ghana for their patience and support during this very difficult time.”
He said with the participation of voluntary bondholders after the closing of the Program on Friday, the country has come close to securing an additional credit facility (ECF) of $3 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“The DDEP was implemented to help protect the economy and improve our capacity to effectively service public debt.
“The alternative of not implementing the DDEP would be a serious disruption in the servicing of our national debt and exacerbate the current economic crisis.
“The government, therefore, is grateful for the overwhelming participation of all bondholders.
“Your support and contribution have brought your country closer to securing the IMF program.”
It asks individual bondholders, especially pensioners, who do not participate in the Program, to be sure that the coupon payments and the mature principal will be honored in accordance with the established rules.
By Laud Nartey|3news.com|Ghana
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