Lawyer Martin Kpebu says he knew government could not keep to its promise to pay bondholders on the scheduled date, March 13.
He claimed the finance minister, Mr Ken Ofori Atta has again proven why most Ghanaians are calling for his resignation from the sector.
“You can never trust him [Ken Ofori Atta].” Lawyer Kpebu said in an interview with NEAT FM’s morning show.
The government promised to pay matured coupons and principal of old bonds beginning March 13, 2023, after reneging on its promise of paying coupons that matured on February 6-20, 2023.
This follows the conclusion of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).
In view of this, the government amongst others announced that “in fulfilment of the assurance given by Government to bondholders who did not tender, the Ministry is taking administrative steps to ensure that payments of coupons and principals of the old bonds resume by 13th March 2023”.
The Finance Ministry in a statement on February 27, 2023, explained that new bonds settled and listed will become the new benchmark bonds.
But, payments to bondholders are yet to be made.
Lawyer Martin Kpebu who is not happy about the situation said “If he [Ken Ofori Atta] is not ready to pay, why didn’t he communicate that to us earlier?”
“His behaviour is questionable as finance minister.” He noted
