News:
May 14, 2014
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) prior to the commencement of the ongoing National Economic Forum indicated that it was not going to attend.
Citing lateness of receiving the invitation letter to the programme and other issues, they described the event as a ‘PR gimmick’ and added that government has already made up its mind and no amount of suggestion they give will be taken.
The National Economic Forum is currently ongoing in Akosombo where stakeholders have gathered to deliberate on the state of the economy and offer solutions to solve the economic challenges.
The Minority leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei Mensa-Bonsu, speaking to the issue on Citi FM intimated that he ‘would love to be part of it’ had he received his invitation ahead of time.
“I would have loved to be part of it. To be very honest, I had given the assurance that if the invitation came earlier to me with the requisite information, I certainly would have to avail myself. It is a national course and if it is properly arranged, it should be considered as a national course but…” he stated.
According to him, apart from his party; the NPP receiving their letter late, he also received his on 9th May 2014, even though the letter was dated 2nd May 2014.
Hon. Osei Kyei Mensa-Bonsu who is also the Member of Parliament for Suame in Kumasi said “even if it was a social gathering don’t you think I have to properly constitute myself? But this is a serious national dialogue and we expect that at least some prior information be given to the personalities involved so that they prepare early enough. You can’t come and speak from the top of your head…I was also invited and it was about the same thing. My own letter was dated 2nd May and it was delivered to me on 9th May, 12 noon”.
Commenting further on the party’s position, he added that “the party’s position is clear, we are not just talking about one reason. First of all the lateness of the invitation…second the programme content was not even part of the invitation; so what was it that we were to dialogue on?”
Source: Peacefmonline.com