The Member of Parliament for Obuasi West, Kwaku Kwarteng, has explained the circumstances under which he declined an invitation to be appointed as Deputy Finance Minister in the latest reshuffle done by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Reports indicated that he and the lawmaker for Effiduase Asokore Dr Nana Ayew Afriyie had declined to be appointed by the President.
The report indicated that Kwaku Kwarteng was returning to the Finance Ministry as Deputy Minister while Dr Ayew Afriyie was heading to the Health Ministry also as a deputy minister.
In a statement, Mr Kwarteng who served as Deputy Finance Minister in President Akufo-Addo’s first term said that “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.
“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.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- May God bless our country
Kwaku Kwarteng (MP, Obuasi West Constituency)
