Accra-based CITI FM is claiming that its sources in government have confirmed that the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu will deliver the 2021 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on Friday 12 March 2021.
He would reportedly be taking the place of the indisposed Ken Ofori-Atta who was nominated Finance Minister by President Akufo Addo but was unable to be vetted because he was rushed to the US due to reported complications from his COVID-19 infection.
Earlier, the names of Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and Trades and Industry Minister, Alan Kyerematen popped up as those to take the stead of Ken Ofori-Atta. It is therefore unclear why Kyei Mensah has been smuggled into the equation.
Unconfirmed reports from sources indicate that the reason for shelving Bawumia and Alan may be related to the fact that the two are likely going to be bitter contenders for the ruling New Patriotic Party’s (NPP)’s flagbearership in 2024 and thus any wrong move may be regarded as unduly marketing one over the other.
President Akufo Addo is reportedly relishing the prospect of using Dr. Bawumiah to further his well-laid-out hegemony, while Alan Kyeremanteng has been positioned by the powerful John Kufuor camp in the NPP as the de facto successor of President Akufo Addo.
It is yet unclear how serious the COVID-19 “complications” suffered by Ken Ofori-Atta as there is no indication of a return from his convalescence anytime soon.
“After recovering from COVID-19 last December, Ofori-Atta has had medical complications, which doctors advise require further interventions not currently available in Ghana,” a statement from the Finance Ministry announced in February 2021.