The government’s decision to purchase ships worth €140 million prompts Ato Forson to express concern.
Concerns have been voiced by Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the minority leader in parliament, regarding the government’s proposed €140 million ship purchase.
In his remarks, Dr. Ato Forson lambasted the plan, calling it needless and a financial strain on the nation. He emphasized that the Minority, who feel that such an expenditure is not a national priority at this time, will vehemently reject it.
Dr. Ato Forson added that any attempts to impose loans or tax breaks that would place more financial burdens on the nation will be met with resistance from the minority. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs, he said, are dedicated to preserving Ghana’s economic stability and will oppose policies that jeopardize fiscal restraint.
According to the Minority Leader, the government should be cautious and avoid making promises that can limit the next administration. He cautioned that Parliament shouldn’t be used to ratify agreements and programs that are opaque and lack long-term rationale.
In his function as an overseer, Dr. Ato Forson gave Ghanaians his word that the Minority will continue to be watchful. Rather than pursuing projects like the ship purchase, which he considers expensive and misguided, he urged the government to focus on measures that solve urgent national concerns.
Speaking on the floor of parliament Dr. Forson said “This government is clearly attempting to put a significant financial burden on the next administration, as evidenced by their current proposal to purchase ships valued at €140 million”. “Mr. Speaker, it is incredibly inappropriate for a government that is leaving office in three weeks to commit €140 million. Instead, let the next government commit them if they are vital to the State.”Mr. Speaker, if the tax exemptions we are considering are accepted, the upcoming budget will be negatively impacted. You’re arguing that the $350 million you owe should be borne by the future government? No way, Mr. Speaker. According to Dominic Nitiwul, the minister of defense, the ships are essential to the Navy, and the IMF has granted the government’s request to obtain a loan to buy them. But if the NDC decides not to back the measure, then so be it”.
However, Ghana’s defense minister Dominic Nitiwul was of the view that it was important to acquire the ships for Ghana’s navy. He also argued that though Dr Forson suggests that an additional $350million would be added to Ghana’s already mounting debt, the government has an opportunity to purchase the ships for the navy.
The defense minister did not think it was prudent to wait for the next administration to decide whether to buy the ships or not. He said “We have the opportunity to purchase two ships from France for the Ghana Navy, if you think that we have to wait for the next administration we don’t have a problem at all, nobody has a problem at all, nobody has a problem at all”.
