Majority Leader Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu has given himself away as having a knowledge of the planning of a Press Conference by some Majority Members of Parliament calling for the sacking of Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and Charles Adu-Boahen, Minister of State at the Ministry.
Earlier, it was reported that some 80 members of parliament without the knowledge of the leaders of their bench leadership held the press conference which sparked controversy.
However, during negotiations at an emergency meeting convened by Akufo-Addo with leaders and members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Majority Caucus in Parliament on Tuesday (25 October 2022), it emerged Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu agreed with the sentiment of the “rogue” MPs.
Indeed, Eugene Boakye Antwi mentioned that they held a meeting in the office of the Leader of the Majority Caucus Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu before the press conference decision was taken.
“It is interesting that Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu and his team showed they were clearly behind the 80 MPs’ Press Conference and agreed with the sentiment. If Kyei Mensah Bonsu thinks he will be considered as Ken’s replacement, then he is not serious.” A source told this portal.
President Akufo-Addo has asked the Majority Caucus to allow for until IMF negotiation and budget reading is done before he accedes to the 80 MPs’ request.
To show where he clearly stands, following the meeting, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu released a statement and said “after deliberations among the Majority Caucus …it was agreed to accede to the President’s appeal”.
NPP insiders are asking the Suame lawmaker why he led negotiations on an issue raised at a Press conference by rebel MPs if he was not behind it.
See full statement from Majority Caucus:
Following the Press Conference held on Tuesday, 25th October, 2022 by some Members of the Majority Caucus in Parliament demanding the removal of the Minister of Finance, Mr. Ken Ofori Atta, and the Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Charles Adu Boahen from office, the President engaged Members of the Caucus and requested that the issue be stood down until the conclusion of the round of negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the presentation of the Budget Statement and Economic Policy in November, 2022 and the subsequent passage of the Appropriation Bill after which time the demand shall be acted upon.
After deliberations among the Majority Caucus today Wednesday, 26th October, 2022, it was agreed to accede to the President’s appeal.
