Mahama never went “begging” EU for money - Terkper

President John Mahama never went “begging” leaders of the European Union for a €64-million multi-donor budget support, Finance Minister Seth Terkper has denied.

His rebuttal was in response to comments made to that effect by Minority Spokesperson on Finance Dr Anthony Akoto Osei when he spoke on a panel discussion on Joy FM’s Newsfile programme hosted by Samson Lardy Anyenini Saturday January 17, 2015.

“I take a strong exception to it,” Terkper called into the programme to protest.

“He may have his point of view but I don’t think we should go far; I think it is defrading of our President,” the Finance Minister noted.

President Mahama, in April last year appealed to the European Union (EU) to release a multi-donor budget support of 64 million euros it pledged to Ghana, reported state-owned Daily Graphic on April 3, 2014.

At a meeting with the President of the European Commission, Mr Jose Manuel Barroso, in Brussels, Belgium, President Mahama said the disbursement of the money to Ghana had delayed.

Discussions held between President Mahama and the EU President were aimed at deepening relations between Ghana and the EU.

Responding, Mr Barroso stated that the EU would continue to strengthen its relations with Ghana in a win-win-situation.

He underscored the need for a sustained effort to address the country’s short-term fiscal challenges.

Ghana gets about $1 billion budgetary support annually from its multi-donor partners including the EU.