The Pensioner Bondholders Forum has taken their protest against the inclusion of their investments in the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme to Parliament.

The bondholders who have been calling for their total exclusion took over the gallery at the House waiting for the Finance Minister who is set to address the MPs.

Speaking to JoyNews’ Kwaku Asante, one member of the forum Dr Adu Anane Antwi said that their presence is to see to it that Ken Ofori-Atta publicly exempts them from the programme during his address.

“Yesterday (February 15) we told him we need the exemption before we leave the premises of the ministry, otherwise every day we will be there. And, he assured us that he will discuss with the President and make the appropriate announcement as part of the statement he is giving in parliament this morning.”

Dr Anane said that the bondholders will not accept anything apart from the total exemption they are demanding.

He noted that the forum had previously spoken to the majority and minority leaders in parliament about the situation and the need for their support.

“Everyone of them is sympathetic to our plight and wants us to succeed in this plight,” Dr Anane added.

The pensioners began picking at the finance ministry about a week ago, following announcements about their inclusion in the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme.

They have already rejected the government’s 15% coupon rate. 

The retirees have stated that they will not accept any haircuts on their investments as their livelihoods depend on the proceeds from these investments.