Hon. Mahama Ayariga Must Apologise to Ghanaians Now

Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is currently under investigation by Ghana's Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for multiple corruption-related allegations.

His tenure as Finance Minister also oversaw some of the most controversial financial decisions in Ghana’s history, from questionable contracts to the infamous Domestic Debt Exchange Program (DDEP), which left many pensioners devastated.

Perhaps the most devastating policy decision under Ken Ofori-Atta was the debt restructuring program, which forced ‘haircuts’ on investments, including government bonds held by pensioners, individual bondholders, and institutional investors. Many retirees who depended on their investments for survival were left stranded, with some even protesting outside the Finance Ministry. This singular policy decision wiped out savings, caused distress among retirees, and shattered confidence in Ghana’s financial system

I am shattered that despite these serious allegations, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has issued an apology to Ken Ofori-Atta following reports that his private residence was raided by national security operatives. Ayariga described the incident as regrettable, but in doing so, he appears to have prioritized political diplomacy over the demands of ordinary Ghanaians, who suffered immensely under Ofori-Atta’s leadership.

At a time when the people demand accountability, it is shocking to see Mahama Ayariga, a leading figure in the ruling party, extend an apology to someone suspected of economic mismanagement and corruption.

Ghanaians voted for change in 2024, expecting the new leadership to bring justice and accountability, not to protect members of the old political elite who contributed to their suffering. Mahama Ayariga must choose where his loyalty lies.He is either with the ordinary Ghanaians who made his party’s victory possible or with the political class that has looted and destroyed lives.He should know that whatever his choice is, it comes with consequences.

If he is more interested in appeasing the very people who caused the economic hardships Ghana is facing, then he does not deserve to lead the majority caucus. If he cannot be the Majority Leader that the people demand, he should step down and allow someone with the courage to stand for justice to take over.Moreover it should be the Minister of Interior giving a briefing about the issue or rendering an apology if it were necessary.

He must render an unqualified apology to Ghanaians for his inconsiderate and needless apology to a man who has allegedly allowed himself to be a conduit of crime to mother Ghana.A man who has single handedly taken Ghana over 3 decades back. Such unnecessary antics must not be tolerated by the top brass of the party.Why is he the Majority Leader when he can't be on the same page with the leadership of the party? What is he trying to proof?

Long Live Mother Ghana.
By Dumenu Charles Selorm