By Ashiadey Dotse
The Minority in Parliament has expressed disappointment in Cassiel Ato Baah Forson’s performance during his vetting as the Finance Minister-designate. They described his responses as evasive, inconsistent, and unclear.
Despite his experience as a former Deputy Finance Minister and a ranking member of the Finance Committee, the Minority expected Forson to provide straightforward answers and detailed plans. However, they found his answers on critical issues lacking.
One major concern, they said, was Forson’s inability to confirm whether the government would fulfil its promise to pay the first-year tuition fees for tertiary students. The Minority described this a betrayal of parents and students.
Speaking to journalists in Accra on Wednesday, January 15, Dr. Gideon Boako, Member of Parliament for Tano North, criticised Forson’s attitude towards the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme. He said Forson appeared dismissive of extending the programme to private schools, despite many private SHS institutions participating in the WASSCE exams. Dr. Boako questioned how the NDC planned to include private schools if they were unaware of such facts.
The Minority also raised doubts about Forson’s plan to scrap taxes like the betting tax, E-levy, COVID levy, and emissions tax. While they welcomed his intentions, they criticised the lack of clarity on how he would make up for the lost revenue. Forson’s suggestion of cutting government spending left them unconvinced, as he did not specify which expenses would be reduced.
Additionally, questions about Forson’s credibility arose when he provided incorrect data during the vetting. The Minority noted that his reliance on IMF figures contradicted statistics he had shared in 2019, further damaging his integrity.
The Minority called for greater transparency and accountability from Forson, insisting that Ghanaians deserve clear answers on important national issues. They remain unsatisfied with his vetting performance and are demanding more clarity on his plans as Finance Minister-designate.
