Minister of State in Charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has taken a swipe at the New Patriotic Party (NPP) over their criticism of the government’s decision to scrap fuel coupons for public officials.
Speaking in an interview with GHOne TV, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu described the NPP’s reactions as “bizarre and illogical,” accusing the party and its members of deliberately wasting the time of Ghanaians with unfounded arguments.
“The New Patriotic Party and its members have purposed in their hearts to every now and then, waste the time of the people of Ghana with bizarre and illogical statements,” he said.
He questioned why any reasonable person would oppose a policy aimed at cutting down government expenditure to channel funds into priority areas. According to him, President Obama believes strongly in limiting waste to ensure the state can meet the pressing needs of its citizens.
He noted that upon assuming office, the president reduced the number of ministers to 60, compared to the 120 under the previous administration, as part of efforts to cut costs. Scrapping fuel coupons, he explained, is a continuation of such cost-saving measures.
“Government officials should be able to leave home and come to work without receiving any fuel from government. I don’t think that it is something that government officials cannot bear,” he added.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stated that the directive is expected to save millions of cedis for the nation, although the exact figures are still being computed and will be announced when ready.
He further dismissed claims by the Minority that fuel pumps at the Jubilee House and the Castle are still functional for government officials. According to him, the fuel station at Jubilee House does not function, and as of Tuesday, no official was able to draw fuel from the Castle depot either.
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He insisted the opposition’s arguments lacked merit and were not properly thought through.
“I don’t see how any reasonable person can have a difficulty with this… an opposition party that has lost in the terrible fashion that the NPP did should show some form of contrition instead of peddling these bizarre illogical arguments to trivialize important matters,” he said.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu emphasised that the fuel cuts have been well received by the public as an indication that Ghanaians want their government to operate efficiently and save costs to prioritise development.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
