Author: Beyonce Diamond Kpogli
Some Members of the youth group called Voice Of The Ghetto based in Tema Community 2, have called for the immediate removal of Ken Ofori-Atta, Minister for Finance, and Ernest Addison, the Governor, Bank of Ghana.
Numbering about 120, the youth group who constitute “a greater number of the Majority Ghetto youth” have thus threatened to embark on a demonstration if the President failed to adhere to their call.
At a press briefing addressed by the Ghetto Youth Minister and convener of Voice of the Ghetto Youth, Ismael Mensah, he expressed his dissatisfaction with the state of the economy which has made life unbearable for the ordinary Ghanaian.
According to him, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta has ruined the economy, an indication that he is not fit for the job and must be dismissed immediately.
Additionally, he mentioned that Mr. Ernest Addison’s mismanagement of funds, highlighted by his choice of investing a huge sum of money in the construction of a new Bank of Ghana facility is a wrong move.
“They said Ghana does not have money but look at the money invested in a building, the youth are suffering. No work for us”.
“Notice is hereby served that until the aforementioned persons are made to resign or removed from office, we the members of the Majority Ghettos here in Ghana will not rest because the citizens are suffering.
Indicating that “we have had occasions to defend allegations of conflict of interest, lack of confidence, and trust against the leadership of the finance ministry but cannot continue as such.”
The recent spiral depreciation of the Ghana Cedi and general developments within the economy, he said, were of great concern to the majority of members of the Ghetto youth and their constituents.
“We have made our grave concern known to the president through the media houses and we are waiting for a positive response.
“We are by this medium communicating our strong desire that the president changes the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, and the Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, Ernest Addison- Bank of Ghana without further delay in order to restore hope in the financial sector and reverse the downward trend in the growth of the economy,” he added.
Lesley Simons, Eagle Eye Research President and Co-Convener of Ghetto Youth reiterated the current economic hardship is a threat to both the mental and physical health of the youth.
“Normally they resort to sports betting, they do and get something small from it to feed themselves at the end of the day but since the introduction of the 10% tax, it has made it difficult for them. We beseech the government to take the 10% tax off or reduce it”.
Also, Kweku Mensah, Co-Convener suggested that the government must put in place policies which will elevate the youth and enable them to find some work to do for themselves and their families.
