Leader of Parliament’s Minority Caucus, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has expressed optimism about the capacity of Minister Designate for the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, to effectively manage the financial affairs of the state.
Afenyo-Markin in a remark during the approval of President Mahama’s first batch of sectoral ministers, highlighted Dr. Forson’s potential during a parliamentary sitting shortly after his approval by Parliament’s Appointments Committee.
He provided a brief history of Dr. Forson’s professional journey, emphasizing his qualifications and lauding his industry and patience as qualities that have brought him this far.
“Mr. Speaker, I have absolute confidence in him. Being a young man—he’s 46—he served as a deputy minister. Per what he told me during the inauguration, here was a young man who came into the chamber sitting behind the pillar. Nobody saw him, nobody recognized him. He didn’t even qualify for the leadership of a committee. By the grace of God, he has gotten to where he has gotten to,” he shared.
Afenyo-Markin acknowledged the significant challenges ahead for Dr. Forson as he takes on the role of Finance Minister.
He advised him to remain cooperative, consultative, and assertive while prioritizing the interests of Ghanaians in his service to the nation. “I believe that Ato’s rise to that high office should be an inspiration… if he falls, it will be the fall of the Ghanaian youth,” he stated.
He also cautioned Dr. Forson about the complexities of the position, highlighting the pressure he would face from his party and other government officials.
“It is not a very popular position to take in government. His party people will come after him; other government ministers will be on him because everybody will be anxious to have a bite of the national cake. So he should be mindful of the challenge ahead of him,” he cautioned.
