The government of Ghana launched the Domestic Debt Exchange program on 5th December 2022 which affects government of Ghana bond listed on the Ghana fixed income market where pension bondholders were included.
A former chief justice , Sophia Akuffo, has rejected the government decision to include pension in the DDEP.
Speaking on Ahotor’s Adekyee Mu Nsem today 13th February with Citizen Kofi Owusu the member of Parliament for Tema East constituency argued on behalf of the Former Chief Justice , Sophia Akufo on inclusion of Pensioners in the Domestic Debt Exchange program.
The Former Chief Justice joined some Pensioners to picket at the Finance Ministry and chastised government as being very “insensitive” and “wicked” to the plight of the aged in the country.
“She was appointed to the sitting court by Late Jerry John Rawlings and she is very strong.
She worked very well especially on a common fund which she made known that any amount of money received by the country 5 percent should be given to each and every district Assembly”
” Whenever any government displays an attitude of cheating tells they are not willing to serve and they are corrupt”
“There should be time in our country Ghana where people in higher office should help the needy and shouldn’t say they can’t speak while in office because of oat of secrecy”
“Am in the same position with Sophia Akuffo for coming out to speak for the pensioners bond to be taken out of the DDEP”
“I still believe if she was in office she would have done the same she did.
She took a good step speaking for the less privileged”
Speaking on the subject of investment, the lawmaker also mention 3 important things which need to be considered.
“As investor there are 3 important things you need to do before investing.
He cited the following;
Time
Return ( profit)
Risk and return Relationship , the higher the risk the higher the profit.
” It only government bond that there are no risk.
Government should have called a meeting with them (pensioners) before involving them in the DDEP as a government with love , humanity and care”
The Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta has been summoned by the Speaker of Parliament the Right Hon. Algban Bagbin to answer urgent questions on the much controversial domestic debt Exchange Programme on Tuesday 14th February, 2023.
Meanwhile, the Agrieved Pensioners have threatened to picket at the forecourt of Parliament House to press home their continuous demand for exemption from the Programme.
Story by: Akuye Tetteh / Ahotoronlinne.com
