Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu Tabled As Temporary Finance Minister As Ofori-Atta’s Fate Remains Hanging

Information picked up by Whatsup News has it that President Akufo Addo has asked the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu to stand in for the Finance Minister-designate, Ken Ofori-Atta who was recently rushed to the United States for suffering COVID-19 complications.

The Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has also confirmed the temporary arrangement at the Finance Ministry, saying “The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs now has a responsibility for the Ministry of Finance.”

Earlier today, the Speaker briefed the lawmakers about the arrangement, saying it was pursuant to Order 140 rule 2 and 3 of the Standing Orders of Parliament.

This development confirms earlier speculations that Mensah-Bonsu was going to be reading the Budget statement on Friday, March 11, 2021, on behalf of Ken Ofori-Atta.

Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and Trade Minister Alan Kwadwo Kyerementeng popped up as those to take the stead of the Finance Minister to read the budget. 

As the head of the Economic Management Team (EMT), Dr. Bawumia was a natural fit, it is unclear why Mr. Kyeremanteng’s name even popped up. 

Observers think it was a manifestation of the growing rivalry between Bawumia and Alan Kyeremateng. Both are reportedly nursing the ambition to succeed President Akufo Addo in 2024.

While Bawumia is said to be the choice of the president to institute his hegemony, Alan Kyeremanteng is reportedly being groomed by the feared “Kufour Camp” in the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).