Finance Minister's absence sparks debate

Yaw Osafo Maafo, Minister of Finance on Thursday attracted the anger of the Minority when he sent a late note to the house explaining his inability to appear before it.

The minister who was billed to answer four questions said he had to see a doctor. Alban Bagbin, Minority Leader asked why he could not be represented by any of his two deputies. "We would no longer accept such practice. When you (NPP) were in Minority you protested over such issues and I think you were right."

He said: "I would not be surprised if the Minister is down because the task is not easy. We are all aware that he was choked here sometime ago. "We are interested in the economy, the people are interested in the economy."

Papa Owusu Ankoma, Majority Leader, said the majority, which asked three out of the four questions to be answered was "a serious group." "We take the business of the house seriously. We are in control. Why don't you enquire about the whereabouts of his deputies before you make those statements."

The House leader said the questions would be rescheduled to enable the Minister answer when he regains his health.