"...are we saying that this budget is not for Muslims, are we saying that this budget is not for Atheist and so on, are we saying that this budget is primarily a Christian budget? Who elected this government to give us a Christian budget...?”
Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr made the above statement to express his dissatisfaction on what he describes as a 'Christian budget' presented in Parliament.
Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Attah during the presentation of the 2017 budget, made some references to quotations in the Bible, the Holy book of Christians.
He said: “Mr Speaker, I see our nation with this overwhelming election mandate as all having decided to withdraw in unison like Jesus to a remote place, Mr. Speaker, only to discover that we have five loaves of bread and two fishes to feed our 25 million plus fellow citizens. But herein lies the genius of the Ghanaian for we are God’s handiwork created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do. As you can see, Mr. Speaker, with 5 loaves and 2 fishes, President Akufo-Addo’s budget has tackled the five structural pillars of revenue, expenditure, earmarked funds, labour and our debt.”
But contributing to a panel discussion on Radio Gold's Alhaji and Alhaji programme, the senior journalist pointed out the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was not elected to give Ghanaians a 'Christian budget'.
"...are we saying that this budget is not for Muslims, are we saying that this budget is not for Atheist and so on, are we saying that this budget is primarily a Christian budget? Who elected this government to give us a Christian budget? We have Ghanaians who are Jews, we know they believe in God but do not accept the New Testament. I’m saying that when we are doing circular things we should do circular things. He kept on referring to Jesus Christ in relation to the budget. Even if Vice President Bawumia is addressing the country through Parliament and he keeps on mentioning the name of Mohammed throughout his presentation, I’ll take him on...I am not happy at all with the religious bigotry which was so vulgarly displayed in the reading of the budget and I do hope that it will not extend to other state functions “
He added that even “when late President Mills said he had banned the pouring of libation and traditional prayers at state functions, he (Pratt) sharply disagreed with him (Mills), because no religion is inferior.
"Prof. Mills was a Christian alright but he couldn’t have chosen for us all, he couldn’t have created the impression that traditional religion is inferior; he had no right to do that under the constitution. Our leaders have a responsible to treat all religions equal....When late President Mills said he had banned the pouring of libation/traditional prayers at state functions I had a problem with him. Prof. Mills was a Christian alright but he couldn’t have chosen for us all, he couldn’t have created the impression that traditional religion is inferior, he had no right to do that under the constitution. Our leaders have a responsible to treat all religions equal,” Pratt stated.
Source: Peacefmonline.com
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. |
Look Kwesi Pratt can go to he'll if he doesn't understand why the finance minister mentioned Jesus.haba.if the traditionalist mention the names of their deities during pouring of libation do we talk.and please ooo if a Moslem mentioned Allah you would have been comfortable right but you hate Jesus guy.are you an anti Christ.***barred word***.tell the truth the budget dazed you.you are trouble bubble rouser.shame on you and your cronies.Gbeshie spirit has possesed you nkoo.
Seboglass Kwasi Pratt, ka wano tum na yenfa adwen woate. Why, are you high on weed?? Do you understand the word bigotry? Nansense!!
Wof Kwasi can go to hell with hypocritical analysis. Even America has "In God We Trust" on the Dollar bill.
This man is just ***barred word***, I believe he was reared.
Kwesi Pratt, people quote Mahatma Gandhi, Dalai Lamas and other religious figures in speeches. It doesn't mean they are delivering a Buddhist speech or whatever that religious figure represents. I find it suprising that you are not able to appreciate the wisdom shared, something that even the Minority Leader; Haruna Iddrisu (a Muslim) commended him for his delivery. As at now, i have still not been able to appreciate any wisdom in your delivery, Kwesi Pratt.
KWASI pratt or what ever u call yourself, if you don't have anything to say just be quiet, fold your arms and manage your unpopular newspaper.
Kwesi Pratt Seboglass
NDC used propaganda and lies in their electioneering campaign. It failed miserably and Mahama lost by far the most humiliating margin ever in an election in Ghana.They still have not learnt any lessons.the minister simply made reference to some space in the bible. He didn't say any religion is superior to any other.Pratt is a cursed man. Soon his loud smelly mouth will be shut for good and all.Instead of making intelligent contributions about the budget he and his NDC friends are spewing all sorts of doomsday n0ns3nse. These people are the enemies of all Ghanaians .
Pratt is right. Ghana is a secular state and so government officials should be pontificating with beliefs on matters of the state.
Ei, NDC's election HUMILIATION is making people like Mr 'Nkwandewa Massa' Pratt to insane. You and your paymasters TRIBAL & RELIGIOUS cards have NOT helped you and will NEVER help you. Ghananians of other faith have NOTHING against the Finance Minister's quotation except Massa whose paycheck is under forensic audit.