The NPP Parliamentary candidate for Walewale, Abdul-Kabiru Mahama, has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Dr. Ato Forson’s nomination as Ghana’s Minister of Finance, expressing confidence in Forson’s ability to perform well in the crucial role despite concerns raised about his past business dealings.
In an interview with JoyNews Mahama stated, “I don’t think Dr. Ato Forson will perform poorly as the Minister of Finance. I don’t think Mr. Forson will do bad as the Minister of Finance. You don’t think he will? I don’t think.” His
comments come amid ongoing debates about Forson’s qualifications and the challenges surrounding his nomination.
Dr. Forson, the Member of Parliament for Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam, was appointed by President John Dramani Mahama to lead the Ministry of Finance, a position critical to managing the country’s finances.
However, his past business ventures have sparked controversy, particularly the bankruptcy of his company, Forson Contracts (UK) Limited, which faced legal action from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs in 2010.
Critics have raised concerns over Forson’s financial management skills, questioning whether his past failures could undermine his ability to manage Ghana’s economy.
In response to these concerns, Dr. Forson defended his record during his appearance before the Parliamentary Appointments Committee, acknowledging the bankruptcy but attributing it to external economic factors.
“I have learned from my past experiences, and those lessons will guide my work as Finance Minister,” he said. Forson emphasized that the difficulties he faced with his business had given him valuable insights into financial management, which he believes will serve him well in his new role.
However, Mahama pointed out that there were “cardinal issues” that needed to be addressed, noting that the public deserved to know the full details of Forson’s business history.
“We need the Ghanaian people to know and judge him according to that,” Mahama stated. “The fact that we don’t have an opportunity to ventilate those concerns, the fact that we feel constrained, the fact that the Ghanaian people are entrusting such a position without that opportunity to scrutinize him on those issues… it’s important.”
The issue of transparency surrounding Forson’s business history, particularly regarding the bankruptcy of Forson Contracts, remains a point of contention.
Critics argue that the failure of the company raises questions about Forson’s financial stewardship, especially when contrasted with other companies like Law Ra.
The lack of a thorough public discussion on these matters has left some uneasy about Forson’s suitability for the role.
The coming months will reveal whether Dr. Forson can overcome the skepticism and prove himself as a capable steward of Ghana’s financial future.
I don’t think Mr. Ato Forson will perform poorly as the Minister of Finance – Abdul-Kabiru Mahama. #JoyNews pic.twitter.com/WFYwPUWHXb
— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) January 15, 2025
