NPP bereft of ideas; do not have superior ideas to fix economy- Haruna Iddrisu

Trade and Industry Minister, Haruna Iddrisu has called the bluff of the opposition New Patriotic Party which has boycotted the ongoing National Economic Forum in Senchi in the Eastern Region.

Speaking to Joy FM’s Super Morning show host Kojo Yankah, the minister said the opposition party boycotted the forum because they may be bereft  of ideas and do not even have any superior ideas to contribute to fixing the economy.

“We are here to build national consensus on the national economy which currently stands challenged. I am personally disappointed that they have chosen to abandon the ship and not to associate with this important national activity.

“It does reflect the fact that they may be bereft with ideas but certainly they ought to know that they do not have superior ideas in fixing the economy,” he said.

Haruna Iddrisu said the NPP even left a more challenged economy than the country is facing now.

The opposition party boycotted the Forum accusing the government of bad faith. At a press conference the National Chairman Paul Afoko said the party received invitation for such an important two working days before the forum.

In addition he said the party was not given any base document which would form the basis for any thorough research and a thorough contribution by its representatives.

Paul Afoko also intimated that the party would not be part of a forum to take decisions on the country’s economy, when it is clear government has already concluded on a number of economic reforms and had forwarded it to the IMF.

He therefore called on all members to boycott the four-day forum which began on Tuesday.

But Haruna Iddrisu in a reaction said the country would make giant strides with or without the NPP.

“Let me indicate strongly that the NPP do not have superior economic ideas and fundamentally President Mahama guided by the good citizens and with support from every sector of national economy will find answers to the challenges [facing the economy]”.

He said the NPP cannot be on the sidelines when it has every opportunity to be on the play field.