Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, has described Abena Osei-Asare, Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), as a friend despite a heated exchange between them during a committee sitting.
He indicated that there is no bad blood between him and Abena Osei-Asare.
The confrontation occurred when the Minister appeared before the committee on Monday, May 18, over concerns regarding alleged poor service delivery by Mobile Network Operators in Ghana.
Speaking to journalists after the encounter, Mr George said his friendship with the PAC Chairperson would not prevent them from carrying out their official duties.
“Abena is a friend, maybe that is why our exchanges were heated. We do this in our regular conversations. But the fact that we are friends does not negate the fact that the work has to be done.
“I know my colleagues are returning the favour for what I did for New Patriotic Party ministers when I was a member of PAC. But I’m a tough nut to crack. The next time I come, I will fire them. No hard feelings, no bad blood, I’m going to join them for lunch,” he said.
The tension reportedly began after the Minister attributed challenges within the telecommunications sector to what he described as weak policy decisions, poor governance and leadership gaps under the previous Akufo-Addo administration.
However, Mrs Osei-Asare, who previously served as a Minister of State at the Finance Ministry under the former administration, interrupted the Minister and cautioned him against making what she described as offensive remarks.
She also urged him to stick to the matter under discussion.
The interruption triggered a sharp response from Mr George, who appealed to Samuel Atta Mills, the Ranking Member of the committee who was presiding over the sitting, to call the Chairperson to order.
