Government revises $3 billion Chinese loan agreement, Minority claims vindication

The Minority in Parliament feels vindicated over government's decision to withdraw and amend the controversial $3 billion Chinese loan.

Government on Thursday withdrew the agreement on the Floor of the House only to lay what a revised and improved agreement before the House soon afterward.

Finance and Economic Planning Minister, Dr. Kwabena Duffour in tabling the new agreement said government had taken into consideration the concerns and objections raised by the minority and civil society groups.

He expressed conviction the new agreement, which is before the Joint Committee on Finance and Poverty Reduction, will meet the expectations of the entire house.

Deputy Majority Leader Rashid Pelpuo had told Radio Gold the majority members of parliament had to get “additional information” so that when the debate commences on the floor they would be able to enrich its quality and convince all why the agreement ought to be approved.

But the Minority believes the 'U-turn' by government is a vindication of their long-held position.

Its Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu told Joy FM's Sammy Darko the 'propagandists' have been put to shame.

He said the Minority came under needless attacks from defenders of the facility, most of whom he said were ignorant about the issues inherent in the agreement.

He said they were convinced that the truth would finally come out, and they have been vindicated.

He wants to study the amended agreement before passing any comment on it.

Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana