Veteran Journalist and Social Commentator, Kwasi Pratt Jnr has lambasted Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Attah for overly highlighting his Christian belief during the presentation of the 2017 budget.
According to him, the Minister’s constant reference to Jesus Christ and making Biblical analogies in his presentation of the national document [budget], which will have an impact on the lives of Ghanaians of different religions and believes was, to say the least, most unfortunate.
Sounding Biblical in his over two hours of delivering the Akufo-Addo-led government’s maiden budget in Parliament on Thursday, March 2, Hon. Ken Ofori Attah among other things said: “Mr. Speaker, I see our nation with this overwhelming election mandate as all having decided to withdraw in unison like Jesus to a remote place, Mr. Speaker, only to discover that we have five loaves of bread and two fishes to feed our 25 million plus fellow citizens.
“But herein lies the genius of the Ghanaian for we are God’s handiwork created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do. As you can see, Mr. Speaker, with 5 loaves and 2 fishes, President Akufo-Addo’s budget has tackled the five structural pillars of revenue, expenditure, earmarked funds, labour and our debt.”
But Mr Pratt who found issues with the Minister’s religious pontification said such conduct must not be encouraged.
“We have Ghanains who are Jews, we know they believe in God but do not accept the New Testament. I’m saying that when we are doind circular things we should do circular things. He kept on referring to Jesus Christ in relation to the budget. Even if Vice President Bawumia is addressing the country through Parliament and he keeps on mentioning the name of Mohammed throughout his presentation, I’ll take him on. “
He added: “When late President Mills said he had banned the pouring of libation/traditional prayers at state functions I had a problem with him. Prof. Mills was a Christian alright but he couldn’t have chosen for us all, he couldn’t have created the impression that traditional religion is inferior, he had no right to do that under the constitution. Our leaders have a responsible to treat all religions equal.”
