In a recent development following the OccupyBoG demonstration organized by the Minority Caucus, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), and its supporters, the Minority Caucus in Parliament has issued a strong response to the comments made by Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison. The protest, which took place on Tuesday, October 3, aimed to address the economic crisis in the country and called for Dr. Addison’s resignation, accusing him of mismanagement and incompetence.
In response to the demonstration, Dr. Addison referred to the protesters as “hooligans” and made it clear that neither he nor his deputies had any intention of stepping down. He described the protest as “completely unnecessary” and suggested that the Minority in parliament should use more civilized means to address their grievances rather than resorting to street demonstrations.
However, Mahama Ayariga, Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, strongly condemned Dr. Addison’s response during an appearance on the Citi Breakfast Show on Thursday, October 5. Ayariga accused Dr. Addison of displaying arrogance and disrespect towards the Minority and the NDC’s leadership.
In Ayariga’s view, Dr. Addison’s response reflects a sense of frustration from a governor who is ill-equipped to competently manage the Central Bank’s affairs. Ayariga went on to state, “He says we are hooligans, so we will show him what hooligans do.” He emphasized that he personally intends to respond assertively, though he cannot predict the actions of his fellow Minority MPs. However, he expressed confidence that Dr. Addison’s characterization of them as hooligans would elicit a response in kind.
Mahama Ayariga also mentioned that the Minority group plans to meet with the NDC’s leadership to strategize their next course of action, aimed at holding Dr. Addison accountable for what they perceive as his incompetence.
This recent exchange highlights the escalating tension between the Minority Caucus and the Bank of Ghana Governor, suggesting that the fallout from the OccupyBoG demonstration is far from over. It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold in the coming days and weeks.
