The Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has criticised Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for his remarks on Wednesday, February 7 when he addressed the nation and spoke of the lack of decision-making authority of the Economic Management Team (EMT), which he chaired.

Dr. Ato Forson refuted Dr. Bawumia's assertions, labelling them as untrue and unacceptable to Ghanaians.

He argued that Dr. Bawumia is now making excuses for the failures of the EMT, which has led to significant hardships for the Ghanaian people.

Yesterday, Dr Bawumia recycled some of his old, unfulfilled promises and also made some outrageous new ones.
For example, one of his old promises, which he made again yesterday, is “one student, one laptop” for senior high school students.
Sometime in January 2023, Dr. Bawumia,…

— Cassiel Ato Forson(PhD) (@Cassielforson) February 8, 2024

In a post on X, the former Deputy Finance Minister emphasised that Ghanaians are vigilant and will not be deceived by Dr. Bawumia's rhetoric.

Dr. Ato Forson urged the Vice President to take responsibility for the failed policies under his leadership and to implement any improved strategies he may have, rather than aiming for the presidency.

"How come Dr. Bawumia is now downplaying the role of the Economic Management Team and his chairmanship at a time when the full impact of the government’s bad economic policies is adversely impacting the people of Ghana and Ghanaians are facing excruciating hardships? Why is Dr. Bawumia running away from his role and making it look as though he has something new to offer the people of Ghana?"

• Read also: Bawumia’s delivery raises serious questions about the government – Prof. Gyampo

"For the record, Dr. Bawumia superintends the Economic Management Team, where all key decisions regarding the national economy are taken."

"These decisions are then taken to Cabinet, where Dr. Bawumia justifies them with the Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta for approval," he said.

Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has clarified that the Economic Management Team (EMT), over which he presided, lacked finality in decision-making.

• Read also: ‘We had no decision-making powers as EMT’ – Bawumia

He explained that the EMT, functioning as a sub-committee of cabinet, could only provide recommendations rather than enact them.

Speaking on his aspirations for the nation during his address at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, on Wednesday, February 7, Dr. Bawumia stressed his intentions to use his decision-making powers when elected as President.

"I was, thankfully, appointed as Chairman of the Economic Management Team (EMT). As a sub-committee to the Cabinet, we do not have any decision-making powers, but I am very proud of the quality of advice we have been providing over the years to the Cabinet," he stressed.