Ghana MPs suspend impeachment bid for finance minister until IMF deal

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ACCRA — A coalition of ruling party MPs in Ghana has quashed demands for the removal of Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta until a support package is negotiated with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) said in a statement on Wednesday that President Nana Akufo-Addo had told them that « their demands would be implemented » after the next reading of the 2023 budget and the outcome of the ongoing talks. on IMF support.

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The majority of NPP MPs on Tuesday called on the president to sack Ofori-Atta and his deputy in order to « restore hope to the financial sector ». They have sworn not to participate in any government business and to boycott budget hearings until he is sacked.

Ghana is in the midst of an economic crisis, as inflation and currency depreciation reach record highs despite repeated and severe hikes in lending rates.

Ofori-Atta, who is leading talks with the IMF after initially opposing a deal, has been called for his withdrawal from the country’s two main political parties. (Reporting by Christian Akorlie; Writing by Cooper Inveen Editing by Bate Felix)