The Deputy Minister of Finance, Charles Adu Boahen has allayed fears that the threats by Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) not to respect the Agyapa Mineral Royalties deal would impact negatively on the agreement.
Speaking on Joy News TV, the deputy finance minister said the government over the years has gained the confidence of the investor community, as a result, the attempts by the opposition party and its leader to discredit the agreement would not deter them from investing in the deal.
Citing the issuance of bonds to buttress his argument, Mr. Adu Boahen said the government has for the past three years been able to successfully issue international bonds at cheaper rates because of the investor community’s believe and trust in the credibility of government to honor deals.
“We believe that the investor base knows our (government) track record. They have been the same investors who have given us unprecedented success in our euro bond issuances at cheaper rate. They believe in us. They believe in our competence and our ability to strengthen these transactions. So I don’t think they would be deterred by the opposition and their utterances in their attempt to discredit and derail an unprecedented trust in us,” he stated.
Former president and flagbearer of the NDC in interview on Woezor TV stated that his government should he win the December elections would not respect the Agyapa Mineral Royalties deal which he said is shrouded in secrecy.
The former president argued that the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) could have played same role of raising funds as the Agyapa Royalties Limited if the Akufo-Addo’s government intended to be transparent.
But speaking to host of PM Express, Evans Mensah, the Deputy Finance minister described as unfortunate the attempts to politicize the deal, which he is said is beneficial to the people of Ghana.
The Agyapa Mineral Royalties deal was passed in the last sitting of parliament despite disapproval by the minority members of the house. The approval of the deal by parliament enables Ghana government to raise US$1 billion through Agyapa Royalties Limited which is acting as a Special Purpose Vehicle for the government.
The debate on the bill generated heated exchanges especially after the Information Minister referred to a minority member of parliament as ‘Papa no’.
The deal has since created a lot of controversies with some Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) numbering about fifteen calling for its immediate suspension and a full disclosure on the deal.
Sections of the public have argued that the deal is not in the interest of Ghanaians but the government disagrees.
