Dr. Abdul Kabiru Tiah Mahama (L) and Prof. Sharif Mahmud Khalid (R)

The Economic Advisor at the Office of the Vice President, Prof. Sharif Mahmud Khalid, engaged in a debate with Dr. Abdul Kabiru Tiah Mahama, the Walewale MP, and former Economic Advisor to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, over the mass termination of appointments by the government.

The clash ensued when Mahmud Khalid questioned Dr. Tiah Mahama about how the Akufo-Addo-led government took a similar approach in dismissing several public servants employed by the outgoing NDC government in 2017.

This occurred when the two, among others, appeared as panelists to discuss the mass terminations on Channel One TV.

The government appointee sought to challenge the opposition’s moral standing in speaking out against the mass layoffs, pointing out that they had carried out similar actions upon assuming power in 2017.

The Walewale MP, Dr. Abdul Kabiru Tiah Mahama, attempting to set the record straight, pointed out that the former NPP government did not undertake such mass layoffs. He challenged anyone with evidence to dispute his claim to come forward.

According to him, the only reference people often make in accusing the former government is with the Ministry of Health. He further clarified that the issue involved certain health workers who lacked financial clearance, making it impossible for the then government to keep them on the payroll.

Mahmud Khalid however referenced the dismissal of the former CEO of Ridge Hospital, accusing the former government of sacking him.

In his defense, Dr. Kabiru justified the CEO's dismissal, describing the individual in question as an appointee of the government.

His statement sparked surprised reactions from other panel members who were in disagreement.

Read some excerpts of the debate below:

Mahmud Khalid: Kabiru in times past, could you say you are not guilty of being instrumental in sending home NDC folks who were employed? I’m not justifying it but asking a question. In the past were you instrumental in playing a role in sending people home as far as recruitment is concerned?

Kabiru: There is no single person who can bring evidence of his appointment being terminated as a result of a change in government. The only reference people make is the Ministry of Health’s direction by the former minister with the 2017 batch who had no financial clearance.

Mahmud Khalid: Anaba who was Head of Ridge Hospital, what took him home?

Kabiru: Anaba was a political appointee appointed as the CEO of Ridge Hospital. They are totally different. Let us not mix it up.

MAG/EK

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