
President Akufo-Addo has clarified the rationale behind the removal of Ken Ofori-Atta as Finance Minister during the February ministerial reshuffle. He cited that after serving seven consecutive years in office, Ofori-Atta required a period of rest.
While interacting with the IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva at the Jubilee House over the weekend, President Akufo-Addo said the decision was necessary.
“Since last year, we have made some important changes in our government. Your old friend, Mr. Ofori-Atta has had seven years as a Finance Minister and I thought it was time for him to wind down and take on more narrow roles.
“And the new Minister of Finance is someone you have met before… now he has stepped forward,” he explained.
President Akufo-Addo on Wednesday, February 14, removed the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta in a major ministerial reshuffle.
About 13 incumbent ministers of state were impacted by the reshuffle, encompassing 10 cabinet ministers and two regional ministers.
The President subsequently designated Mr. Ofori-Atta as the Senior Presidential Advisor and Special Envoy for International Finance and Private Sector Investments.
In this new capacity, Mr. Ofori-Atta is tasked with utilizing his wealth of experience and connections to facilitate international investments and enhance private sector involvement in Ghana’s developmental endeavors.
The creation of this new role sparked a media debate, with numerous market observers interpreting it as a promotion, given that Mr. Ofori-Atta will now advise President Akufo-Addo on international finance and private sector investment matters.
President Akufo-Addo, however, maintains his commendation for the former finance minister’s performance.
The President also stressed that government will be cautious to strike a fine line between meeting the aspirations of Ghanaians and staying true to the dictates of the IMF 3-year extended credit programme.
He said this will be crucial as the country heads to the December 7 general election.