Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Leader of the NDC Minority in Parliament, expressed his appreciation for the dedication and commitment shown by members of his caucus in upholding the national interest during the tenure of the 8th Parliament. He commended his colleagues for standing up for the interests of ordinary Ghanaians and opposing government policies that would have negatively impacted the citizens.
During his closing remarks on the floor of the House at the dissolution of the 8th Parliament, Dr Forson emphasized that the NDC MPs had been vindicated by time in their stance on various national matters. He pointed out instances where the Minority had stood against government policies, such as the passage of the controversial E-Levy, tax amnesties, and the fight against illegal mining (galamsey).
Dr Forson highlighted the E-Levy as a significant issue that the NDC Minority vehemently opposed, despite facing resistance from the government. He noted that while their views were often disregarded, time had shown that many of their positions on critical national issues were indeed correct.
The Minority Leader also raised concerns about the reckless borrowing and economic mismanagement under the Akufo-Addo and Bawumia government. He pointed out the exorbitant transaction advisory fees amounting to US$159.3 million that certain individuals in government had benefited from, while the country was burdened with unsustainable public debt.
Additionally, Dr Forson criticized the mismanagement of the Central Bank, which led to significant losses and negative equity. He highlighted the cumulative loss of GH¢71.3 billion between 2022 and 2023, resulting in the Bank of Ghana becoming policy insolvent by the end of 2023.
In his address, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson also commended the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, for his leadership in navigating the challenges of a hung Parliament. The Minority Leader praised Bagbin for his role in ensuring that parliamentary proceedings were conducted smoothly and effectively despite the political landscape.
Overall, Dr Forson’s closing remarks reflected the NDC Minority’s commitment to serving the best interests of the Ghanaian people and their dedication to holding the government accountable for its actions. Their unwavering stance on critical issues demonstrated their resolve to stand up for what they believed was right, even in the face of opposition.
