Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo Criticizes Government’s Handling of Pensioners’ Demands for Exemption from Domestic Debt Exchange Programme
Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has criticized the government and the Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta for their lack of humility in dealing with the total exemption demand of pensioners in the recently ended Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP). Speaking at a pensioners’ picket at the Ministry of Finance on February 14, Akuffo explained that she joined the picket as a matter of principle and would not rule out going to court to enforce her rights in case the government defaults on its commitments to her as a bondholder.
When asked about attacks by detractors criticizing her participation in the picket and her critique of the government’s handling of the economy and the DDEP programme, she stated that she was unperturbed. She emphasized that she would not trade insults with those people, as insults are the weapon of the “pin-brained.”
Akuffo took aim at Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta for not responding to an official request for exemption by pensioners, characterizing it as a sign of pride on his part. She noted that pensioners would wait to see what line the government takes when their bond payments become due. She added that it would be better for everyone, including the nation, if the minister responds to the letter that has been sent to him.
On Valentine’s Day, NPP stalwart Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko trended after his recent critique of Akuffo’s decision to join the pensioner bondholders’ picket at the Ministry of Finance. In response to Gabby’s attacks, Akuffo stated that he was a less important being to her, and one who did not hold any proper position in the governing New Patriotic Party. She emphasized that she did not have time for things like that because people like Gabby were not important to her or her life. She called Gabby a disturbance and refused to engage in a war of words with him.
In summary, former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has criticized the government’s handling of the pensioners’ demands for exemption from the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme and has indicated her willingness to enforce her rights in court if necessary. She has also dismissed attacks by detractors and criticized Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta for his lack of response to an official request for exemption by pensioners
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