"...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
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Kwesi Pratt, you've run out of ideas. Focus on getting your career back on track. I guarantee you Jesus will do you much good than you can yourself do.Quoting Jesus in a presentation does not make the budget a christian one and even my 10 year old knows that. Stop this cheap politics. I am praying or you
Pratt....Did he provide some money for the printing of bibles or what? Rise up Mr.Pratt u are getting older in your thinking. U should know that we Ghanaians have moved beyond this level kraaaaa.
been telling my fiends for ages that kwesi pratt is E/V/I/L what at all is this ***barred word***
I am surprised Peacefm is entertaining this, we have lived as one people with a common destiny since our birth as country. despite all our differences, we have lived peacefully and that is how it must be and it should be. peacefmonline can do better than this by giving us news items that could make ourlives better that it is now. Change has come and it must be felt even in your reportage.
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaabah! Ahhhhhhhhh Kwesi Prat, you don't fear God your maker? Somebody quote the Bible and you are offended. Tsatse Mawu Leeeeeeeeeeeeeee, have mercy oooooooooo. Are you an Atheist? Tell us so we would know where you belong.
pratt what at all is your problem? leave the man to speak of is belief. if you have a problem with the budget say it and stop the sIlLY personality attacks. at least he is not ashamed of the fact that he is a christian
References can be made to any sources or books when making a speech.
shame on you stomach journalist..... its Allah not the same as God. why do people just want to see Ghana fail..? God will punish you, your end is near, change your ways or God will step in for you. Amen
Oh! Shame, kwesi BONSAM. Go to H-E-L-L. WHERE IS WAYOMI MONEY THEY GAVE YOU? ***barred word***. In academic environment you can quote THE GREAT GOOD BOOK-THE BIBLE. Nothing wrong at all kwesi. But let me advise you. If the Name of JESUS convicts you of SIN then you have a problem. Repent and give your LIFE to JESUS.-----ETERNITY.
KWESI BE WISE