DDE: Fmr Chief Justice joins picketing at Finance Ministry
Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has joined a group of pensioners in Ghana who are protesting against their inclusion in the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).
The Pensioner Bondholders Forum, of which the pensioners are members, is demanding a total exemption of their investments from the DDEP and has been picketing the Finance Ministry for five consecutive days.
The government has proposed a 15% coupon rate, but the pensioners have rejected this and are calling for a total exemption of their investments.
They say that their livelihoods depend on the proceeds from these investments and have expressed frustration about the lack of communication from the Ministry of Finance.
One pensioner spoke to the media and said, “We don’t have the strength, but the little strength we have, we will use it.”
DDE: Fmr Chief Justice joins picketing at Finance Ministry
The pensioners also announced that they will picket at Parliament on February 14 to witness the debate between members of the House and the Finance Ministry.
Former Chief Justice Akuffo was seen at the protest holding a placard that read, “We depend on our bond yields to pay our rent, medical bills, electricity bills, and water bills.”
The situation highlights the concerns of the pensioners and the impact that the DDEP is having on their financial stability.
The outcome of the debate at Parliament will be closely watched by the pensioners and the wider public.