Lands and Natural Resources Minister-designate, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, has clarified the backlash surrounding his critique of former President Nana Akufo-Addo when he presented his final State of the Nation Address (SONA) on January 3.
During his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, January 27, the Ellembele MP stated that his comments were not a personal attack but a reflection of public frustration with the former administration’s performance.
“I have a lot of respect for President Akufo-Addo and any president who occupies this highest office of our land,” Mr. Armah Kofi-Buah stated.
“The decisions they are confronted with are enormous and grave, and I don’t think we take that lightly at all. My comments were directed at his government, reflecting the views of the Ghanaian people who felt they had gone through significant hardships.”
His remarks drew criticism from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), who labeled his comment as harsh and disrespectful.
Minority Chief Whip Frank Annor Dompreh pressed the nominee during the vetting, seeking clarification on the tone of the remarks.
In his defense, Mr Armah Kofi-Buah stood by his statement, stating, “If there are words that came out sounding disrespectful, I regret them.”
On the possibility of rephrasing his comments with hindsight, the nominee said, “If there are alternative words that better convey the sentiments I expressed, I am open to using those words in the future.”
Following former President Akufo-Addo’s final SONA, Mr. Armah Kofi-Buah, then-Deputy Minority Leader, delivered a strongly worded critique of the administration.
He highlighted issues such as economic hardship, unsustainable debt, youth unemployment, and what he termed “reckless borrowing.”
“The people of Ghana have already given their verdict on the true state of the country, and that verdict is clear: economic hardship, huge debt, high youth unemployment, hopelessness, and more,” he said.
He also criticized the National Cathedral project, describing it as symbolic of misplaced priorities.
“Mr. President, you will be remembered as the first president who was cushioned by the IMF when you began and are still being cushioned at the end of your term,” he added.
But during his vetting, Mr Armah Kofi-Buah reiterated that his criticisms were aimed at the administration’s policies, not the individual.
He reaffirmed his respect for former President Akufo-Addo and all leaders who have borne the responsibility of leading Ghana.
The Appointments Committee is expected to continue deliberations and submit its recommendations on the nominee.
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