Veep's 'ignorant minority' comment was unpresidential - Former deputy Finance minister

Cassiel Ato Forson, a former deputy minister of finance has said that vice president Bawumia's comment on the Minority being ignorant was 'unpresidential' behavior.

At a press conference on Tuesday, the Minority had criticized government's decision to issue a 15 year bond worth $2.25 billion dollars and accused the finance minister of a conflict of interest and a lack of transparency.

The vice president was responding to the criticisms of the Minority over the government's $2.25 billion bond issue, when he said they should read more, as their ignorance on the matter was clear.

“It shows a lack of understanding. The minority has never understood this economy. It shows ignorance and I’m so sad this is coming from people who should know better.

Maybe they should read a little…” and a statement a statement that sparked outrage among the minority and the opposition party sympathizers.

According to a Starr FM report, Mr Ato Forson in response to the vice president's remarks, said that his conduct was 'unpresidential.' He is not the only one criticizing the vice president however, as the member of parliament for Keta, Richard Quashigah has demanded Dr. Bawumia come forward and offer an apology to the Minority.

In a statement released to the press, Mr Quashigah said, "If indeed the reportage as put out by the media is accurate, then he is advised to learn to speak with diplomacy and dignity expected of a Vice President or else before long he could cause this nation an incalculable international embarrassment. Assuming without admitting that the minority got it wrong, couldn’t he have clarified without insults?.”

He further stated, “Mr. Bawumia, the current Vice President of Ghana, must do the excellent thing by withdrawing and must apologize to the good people of Ghana.

The use of intemperate language is unbecoming of the Vice President."

Meanwhile, the government issued 15 and 7-year bonds with a coupon rate of 19.75%, raising a total amount of $ 1.13 billion. In addition, The Finance Ministry raised cedi equivalent of$ 1.12 billion in five and 10-year bonds through a tap arrangement.