The Member of Parliament (MP) representing the Obuasi West Constituency, has provided clarification regarding reports by The Herald, concerning his refusal to accept a ministerial position in the Akufo-Addo government, which has some 10 months to expire.
Kwaku Kwarteng, a former Deputy Finance Minister, was initially among the individuals considered by President Nana Akufo-Addo for ministerial appointments during the recent government shake-up.
Last Friday, The Herald reported that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP, declined the offer, citing a fallout with the government after being stripped of his deputy ministerial role.
Sources from the Jubilee House, had told The Herald that Dr Nana Ayew Afriye and Kwaku Agyeman Kwarteng, representing the Effiduase Asokore constituency and Obuasi West Constituency in the Ashanti Region respectively, told the president” quite bluntly that they were not interested in serving in his government, citing personal reason”.
Dr Nana Ayew Afriye, is yet to speak on the matter, however, in a statement dated February 16, 2024, Mr Kwarteng, offered insight into his decision, explaining that he believed he could contribute more effectively to the government’s work from his current position in Parliament.
“I am also thankful and humbled by the knowledge that our President found me worthy to serve in the Executive in the recent reshuffle. I declined for the following reasons: The role of Parliament in the work of the Executive, especially in matters relating to finance and the economy, is critical. It is my humble belief that I can better support the work of government from Parliament.”
Expressing gratitude, Kwarteng acknowledged the President’s influential role in his political career, stating, “I am eternally grateful to the President for his fatherly influence on my political career, and will always stand ready to support his vision in whatever ways I can.”
Sources from the Jubilee House, had told The Herald that Dr Nana Ayew Afriye and Kwaku Agyeman Kwarteng, representing the Effiduase Asokore constituency and Obuasi West Constituency in the Ashanti Region respectively, told the president” quite bluntly that they were not interested in serving in his government, citing personal reason”.
As it turns out, Dr Ayew Afriye, the MP for Effiduase Asokore constituency in the Ashanti Region, was nominated to the Ministry of Health, but he declined, because of his principled stance against the president’s large government.
People close to him, say the astute medical doctor and parliamentarian, has always been vocal about the size of the Akufo-Addo government and the need to downsize to cut down on the huge spending.
According to the sources, the presidency was shocked that the Chairman of the Health Committee of Parliament could refuse the president’s offer to become a minister.
Mr. Kwarteng, had expressed dissatisfaction with how the president had treated him and opted not to accept another ministerial position.
He “did not want another bite of the cake, having been sidelined for years,” The Herald’s insider told the newspaper.
The Herald was informed that Mr Kwarteng, who served as a Deputy Minister at the Finance Ministry, in the first term of President Akufo-Addo, conveyed his contentment with his role as the chairman of parliament’s finance committee and declined any new appointment.
On Wednesday, February 14, 2024, President Akufo-Addo, made his first major reshuffle in almost eight years.
Among those affected were the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, and the Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Atta.
Additionally, Minister for Health, Kwaku Agyeman Manu, and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Kwaku Afriyie, were among those who lost their positions.
In total, 13 ministers and 10 deputies were relieved of their duties, with some being reassigned to different roles within the government.
Below is what he wrote
PUBLIC STATEMENT
SUPPORTING THE WORK OF GOVERNMENT FROM PARLIAMENT
16 February 2024
Following media reports that I have declined an invitation to serve in the Executive arm of government, I find it necessary to clarify these publications as follows:
2. First, I am thankful to the President for the opportunity he provided me to serve as the Deputy Minister for Finance between 2017 and 2021. I am also thankful and humbled by the knowledge that our President found me worthy to serve in the Executive in the recent re-shuffle.
3. I declined for the following reasons:
(i) The role of Parliament in the work of the Executive, especially in matters relating to finance and economy, is critical. It is my humble belief that I can better support the work of government from Parliament.
(ii) I also intend to play a dedicated role in the crafting of the NPP’s messages and governance strategies going forward and going into the 2024 general elections. I consider that I am better placed to do so as a non-ministerial Member of Parliament.
4. I am eternally grateful to the President for his fatherly influence on my political career and will always stand ready to support his vision in whatever ways I can.
5. May God bless our country.
