President Akufo-Addo has clarified the rationale behind the removal of Ken Ofori-Atta as Finance Minister during the February ministerial reshuffle.
According to him, there was a need for Ofori-Atta to take a break after serving for seven years.
During an interaction with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva at the Jubilee House over the weekend, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the necessity of this decision.
“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.
Approximately 13 current ministers of state, including 10 cabinet ministers and two regional ministers, were affected by the reshuffle.
The President later appointed Mr. Ofori-Atta as the Senior Presidential Advisor and Special Envoy for International Finance and Private Sector Investments.
In this new office, Mr. Ofori-Atta is expected to leverage his extensive experience and network to attract international investments and bolster private sector participation in Ghana’s development.
The new position resulted in a media debate as many market watchers viewed it as a promotion since he will advise President Akufo-Addo on matters of international finance and private sector investment.
But President Akufo-Addo continues to praise the performance of the former finance minister.
The President emphasized the importance of the government striking a delicate balance between fulfilling the aspirations of Ghanaians and adhering to the requirements of the IMF’s 3-year extended credit program.
He highlighted the significance of this approach as the country approaches the December 7 general election.
