Anger Over Plans To Appoint Ato Forson As Finance Minister

There is uneasy calm within the top brass of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), following reports that President-Elect, John Dramani Mahama, is considering Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, leader of NDC Caucus in parliament, for appointment as Minister of Finance.

Dr Forson’s purported Finance Minister appointment, which was also published by Bloomberg, an international news agency, has brought huge discontent amongst some senior members of the party including some MPs, The Anchor gathered.

Those familiar with the developments disclosed, party stalwarts are against the choice of Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam constituency MP, because of his alleged unfettered presidential ambition.

Claims are that, even though the former deputy Minister of Finance, is qualified for the job, his quest to climb the leadership ladder in the party, could create problems for the Mahama administration, and derail his efforts to rebuild the country’s struggling economy, considering the sensitive nature of that portfolio.

Insiders told The Anchor, not only the Northern Region caucus, who are against the move, but also other big wigs from the Volta region.

It is, however, unclear who may be the preferred person for the position.

Already names popping up for the position include, former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama, MP for Bolgatanga Central Constituency, Isaac Adongo, as well as a former Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Mrs. Mona Helen Quartey.

Earlier, reports indicate that Dr Ato Forson, has been desperately jostling for sensitive position in the yet to be constituted Mahama administration, due to his ambition to succeed Mr Mahama.

This ambition, is said to be driving him to allegedly undermine efforts and contributions of some of his colleagues and senior comrades within the party.

He is alleged to have had issues with the incoming Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, during the Assin North by-election.

It is rumored that; Dr Forson’s ultimate goal, is to become Finance Minister under President Mahama’s administration at all cost.

Concerns are that, this position if he succeeds, could be used to rub shoulders with the Vice President, Professor Opoku-Agyemang, which could spell doom for the government even before Mr Mahama’s tenure could elapse.

Concern about Dr Forson’s suitability for the role, is further fuelled by questions surrounding his financial history.

In 2007, before becoming an MP, the Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam lawmaker, is reported to have filed for bankruptcy.

But at the moment, his status appears, to have become stable, considering the lavish campaign his team embarked upon during the just-ended polls.

The relatively calm politician, would need to deal with issues of alleged incompetence and corruption tags linked with him, one of which led to his criminal prosecution.

Many believe that his appointment as Finance Minister, could undermine public and investor confidence in Ghana’s economic governance.

The business community, whose trust is vital to Ghana’s economic recovery, may hesitate to engage with a ministry led by someone perceived as controversial.

Ghanaians, have overwhelmingly voted for former President Mahama, entrusting him with the critical task of fixing the country’s ailing economy and restoring confidence among the business community.

Many believe his re-election, is not just a political mandate, but a divine calling for him to make a significant impact on Ghana’s future.

But achieving this vision, will require the support of individuals with integrity, competence, and a genuine commitment to national service

The Ghanaian public, are looking to him to deliver on his promise of restoring hope and reviving the economy.

To achieve this, the Finance Ministry, must be entrusted to an individual, who is not only competent, but also his character is beyond reproach.

The choice of individuals appointed to steer affairs of state, will send a strong signal to both Ghanaians and the international community, about the seriousness of this incoming administration’s commitment to accountability and progress.

It is crucial that, the President-Elect, remains vigilant and ensure that all appointments reflect the expectations of the people.