Ken Ofori-Atta, Finance Minister, is scheduled to appear before Parliament today, Thursday, February 16, 2023, to brief the house on the government’s Domestic Debt Exchange program.
This follows a directive from the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to the House Business Committee to summon the Finance Minister to give a policy brief on the program in light of the ongoing picketing at the Finance Ministry by pensioner bondholders seeking an exemption from the program.
In presenting the business statement of Parliament last Friday, Deputy Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin stated that the Minister must appear before Parliament to answer 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 Deputy Majority Leader said.
Since its announcement, the program has faced stiff opposition from various groups and individuals.
The Ministry of Finance, on the other hand, stated that it had met 85% of its target under the program.
Meanwhile, members of the Pensioner Bondholders Association, who are seeking an exemption, have stated that they will be in Parliament to witness the 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.
The Finance Minister met with pensioner bondholders on February 15, 2023, but was cut short when a social activist, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, interrupted the meeting.
