Dr. Afriyie Akoto allegedly lobbying to become next Finance Minister

Aside his presidential ambition, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, Minister of Food and Agriculture, is said to be lobbying for the position of Finance Minister.

Ghana's economy is in disarray at the moment, and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is under pressure to fire his Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.

Following the critical stage of the Ghanaian economy, political actors from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), important figures with in-depth knowledge of economics, and opinion leaders have all called for Mr. Ofori-Atta's resignation.

A press conference earlier this week by a few New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmakers demanded that the President immediately fire the Finance Minister. The MPs threatened they will not participate in parliament business if Ofori-Atta continues as Ghana's Finance Minister.

However, a few days into the commotion surrounding Ken Ofori-Atta's firing, it has been reported that Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, the current Minister of Agriculture, was lobbying for the former's position should he resign or be fired.

Given that he had previously stated his intention to run as the party's flagbearer in the general elections of 2024, it is unclear what could be motivating Dr. Akoto to take an interest in a position in the finance sector, but a renowned journalist Nana Yaa Brefo expressed her amazement when she went live on Facebook to disclose this information.

She claims that Dr. Afriyie Akoto is even struggling with his job in the agricultural sector, let alone the crucial position of Finance Minister.

"Unsure if you've heard the news I'm hearing, I'll share it with you now. Have you heard that the Agriculture Minister is actively pursuing the position of Finance Minister? I don't think this is true, though; perhaps it's just a rumor.

"I don't believe the Agriculture Minister would ever consider it, but if there is even the slightest bit of truth to this, I will be shocked if he wants to succeed Ofori-Atta as Finance Minister.

"This man is allegedly lobbying to manage our finances; he is the same man who told Ghanaians that foodstuffs are cheaper in the rural areas so he would be transporting them to the big cities to be sold at relatively cheaper prices," Nana Yaa Brefo freaked out in a Facebook live video monitored by Ghanaguardian.com.

Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has said Ghana’s negotiation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is nearing completion.

The President says this will have a major impact on the Ghanaian economy.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement on moves to revive the economy, Nana Akufo-Addo said he will need the support of all.