The NPP spokesperson “runs away” from conversations concerning the IMF accord, saying ministers ought to be seated here

Abubakari Sulemana, a former National Nasara Coordinator of the New Patriotic Party, refused to participate in a discussion on Original TV on the conditionalities of Ghana’s deal with the International Monetary Fund.

Sulemana was empanelled with an NDC communicator on the ‘Amanyosem’ show on Original TV but refused to join the discussion about the features of the IMF deal.

Abubakari Sulemana protested that the issues surrounding Ghana’s deal with the IMF should be handled by ministers and their deputies.

He implied that while communicators like himself sacrifice their reputations to defend the party, others are enjoying the state’s coffers.

He charged government appointees to step up and address the challenges facing Ghanaians, as the citizens are dealing with intense hardships.

Sulemana argued that the country would not have gone to the IMF if the government had been prudent in its management of the country’s resources.

“A substantive or deputy minister should be sitting on this show. What do you expect from me sitting here? The world is watching, and my family and friends are watching. When did you have a minister or deputy on your show at this time of the day?

“I’m pleading with our leaders to stand up because Ghanaians are suffering. The belief Ghanaians had in us is diminishing because of selfishness. There would have been no need for us to go to the IMF if we had managed our finances well. We need to cut a lot of positions. Let’s cut down on the number of ministers,” he said.

On May 17, 2023, the IMF board approved a $3 billion credit facility for Ghana, which is to be disbursed in tranches of US$600 million.

It aims at “restoring macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, as well as implementing wide-ranging reforms to build resilience and lay the foundation for stronger and more inclusive growth,” commented Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, quoted in an IMF statement.

KPE/ DA