The Presidency has taken a jibe at the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference for criticising the Akufo-Addo government of mismanaging the public purse.
At a press briefing, the Communications Director at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, outrightly expressed misgivings about the observation of the clergy.
According to him, although the government is tolerant of divergent views on matters, criticisms of the Conference should be factual and constructive.
“We believe that these criticisms should be well-founded and well-grounded in facts as this is the only way an honest conversation devoid of malice and propaganda can be held,” he said on Thursday.
The Catholic Bishops Conference, at a plenary assembly of the association in Wa on Monday, alleged that the government had lost touch with Ghanaians and had defaulted on its promise of protecting the public purse.
The President of the Bishops’ Conference, Most Reverend Philip Naameh, said, “The express commitment of the President to the public to protect the public purse, a promise that citizens welcomed seems to be an illusion now.”
But in a sharp rebuttal, Mr Arhin said President Akufo-Addo is resolved to protect the public purse and resuscitate the economy.
The Communications Director, amidst touting the government’s achievements, noted that the successes could not have been realised if the President was not concerned about the public.
“Indeed, the transformation that has taken place in all aspects of our national life points to a well-managed economy and a public purse that is being protected.
“If President Akufo-Addo had not superintended over the funds well, the Ghanaian people wouldn’t have reposed their confidence in him barely 10 months ago by returning a decisive margin for him in the 2020 election,” he opined.
Mr Arhin’s retort will not be the first hit back at the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference after they raised concern about how the Akufo-Addo administration is handling the public purse.
On Tuesday, the Director of Communications for the governing New Patriotic Party, Yaw Buaben Asamoa, also took on the cleric body.
In his view, the comments of the Conference lacks clarity.
In an interview, he said the Conference’s observations would have been considered by the government if it hadn’t lacked focus.
“Where are the specifics on that? Some level of clarity at that level is important. It is not about enabling the NDC to come in and spout,” he said.
Reacting to these remarks former President, John Mahama described it as “arrogance of power.”
Mr Mahama accused the NPP of being unreceptive to criticisms. “If they are saying Ghana is hard, do the things that will make things more affordable for the people of Ghana. But that is what we call the arrogance of power. They said when the gods want to destroy you; they first make you mad.
“Because this is madness. The Catholic Bishops have spoken; what is your business holding a press conference against them? Accept criticism in good faith”, the former President said.
However, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference is yet to comment on any of the responses by the governing NPP and the Presidency.
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