Minority Is Exhibiting Anti-Development Behavior - Stan Dogbe

A Special Aide at the Office of the President and a member of the government's Communication Team, Stanislav Xoese Dogbe, has expressed worry over what he feels is the anti-development behavior being exhibited by members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) following their vehement opposition to the $ 3billion loan agreement between Ghana and China. The Finance Committee of Parliament recommended for approval by Majority Decision, a $3 billion loan agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and the China Development Bank. The Minority members of the Committee had their say by expressing disagreement with the decision, especially with portions governing subsidiary agreements, but as usual, the Majority had their way. The loan is meant to finance a number of infrastructural projects, including the Eastern Corridor Roads and Accra Plains Irrigation Project. Speaking in an interview with Shamima Muslim during Citi Eye Witness News, Stan Dogbe said it beats his imagination that the Minority in Parliament could oppose infrastructural development, and wondered whether it was because the Minority was jittery that government might gain favour in the sight of the electorate. ��Why would any group of people particularly Members of Parliament who are supposed to be representing their people want to kick against construction of badly needed infrastructure?...If they are for development, they would not. Their disagreement is that government is going to provide too many infrastructure across the length and breadth of this country and to that extent, they are not too sure that given the current ratings of the government, if these projects are also concluded what are Ghanaians who will go to the polls in 2012 say...,� he said. He urged the Minority to rise above partisan politics and not to look at their own parochial political interests but rather work for the betterment of the country. �The MPs�should know that we cannot help but to develop this country and whether it is done in your tenure; when your government is in power or not the development of this country must remain paramount�,� he added. The Report, signed by Hon James Klutse Avedzi, Chairman of the Finance Committee and Peace Fiawoyife (Ms) Clerk to the Finance Committee, is expected to be laid before the House later on Wednesday.