The new Minority Leader in Parliament Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has issued a stark warning to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo about the size of his government.
Dr. Forson stated that the National Democratic Congress MPs will not allow President Akufo-Addo to expand his government, which they believe is already encumbered.
He issued the warning in his first public speech as Minority Leader on Thursday.
“I wish to, first of all, send a message to the New Patriotic Party (NPP), that the people of Ghana are calling on them to downsize their government to reflect the mood of the country before you ask people to forego their coupons or interests, asking the ordinary Ghanaian to sacrifice his payout.
“If the President [Nana Ado Dankwa Akufo-Addo] intends to reshuffle his government, let it be known that we in the NDC will not accept an attempt to increase the size of government. And if the current size of his ministers is increased by one person, that person will not receive our cooperation.”
Following the current economic crisis, there have been several calls for the government to reduce its appointees.
Dr. Forson also warned that any new government appointees would face stiff opposition from the National Democratic Congress.
He believes that any planned government reshuffle should reflect the country’s economic situation.
He advised the party’s rank and file to remain calm.
“We want the rank and file of the party to keep calm, Members of Parliament are on good terms,” he said.
The Ajumako-Enya-Essiam MP also promised to represent the party’s collective interests.
“As a leader, it will be my duty to represent our collective goals with unwavering dedication and high integrity,” he added.
The NDC reshuffled its leadership in Parliament earlier this week, replacing Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu with Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.
Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP for Ellembelle, also took over as Deputy Minority Leader from Ketu North MP, James Klutse Avedzi, and Kwame Governs Agbodza took over as Minority Chief Whip from Asawase MP, Muntaka Mubarak.
Several NDC MPs, including Dominic Ayine, MP for Bolgatanga East, and Murtala Muhammed, MP for Tamale Central, later described the leadership changes as undemocratic and deeply concerning, claiming they were not consulted prior to the change.
Some 44 MPs signed a petition opposing the party’s decision. The 44 members believe the party’s decision is unfair and unpopular.
However, 77 MPs are said to have signed a separate petition to endorse of the party’s decision.
