Ken Ofori-Atta, Ghana’s embattled Finance Minister, has apologized to Ghanaians for the country’s current economic difficulties.

Mr. Ofori-Atta stated in his opening remarks at the ad hoc committee convened by the Speaker of Parliament to investigate allegations warranting his removal from office as presented by the Minority, that it was not the government’s intention to subject Ghanaians to hardship.

According to the Finance Minister, the current crisis is the result of the devastating effects of Covid-19, not the government’s recklessness.

“As the person, President AKufo-Addo has put in charge of this economy, I feel the pain personally, professionally, and in my soul…I see and feel the terrible impact of rising prices of goods and services on the lives and livelihoods of ordinary Ghanaians, I feel the stress of running a business, but it is the strength and perseverance of the Ghanaian people that inspire me and my colleagues in government every morning”.

“That is what gives me the strength to press on and to find solutions and relief for Ghanaians to the myriad of problems that our country and the rest of the world are facing, especially since March 2020. Co-chairs, let me use this opportunity to say to the Ghanaian people what I believe, with courage, every finance minister around the world, may wish to say to their people now: ‘I am truly sorry”, he said.

Despite the effects of Covid-19, he added, the government has worked hard to ensure that Ghanaians have a consistent power supply, that roads are repaired, and that government employees are paid on time.

The Minority in Parliament filed a motion for a vote of censure against Ken Ofori-Atta, alleging seven allegations against the minister, including a conflict of interest, financial irresponsibility that led to the collapse of the Ghana Cedi, and gross economic mismanagement.

By: Richard Obeng Bediako| metrotvonline.com|Ghana