By Edzorna Francis Mental
Accra, Ghana – February 5, 2025
The Minority in Parliament has raised strong objections to the nomination of Dr. Johnson Asiamah as Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), citing unresolved legal concerns and procedural irregularities.
Addressing the media in Parliament on Wednesday, Dr. Gideon Boako, MP for Tano North, reiterated the Minority’s stance, insisting that Dr. Asiamah’s nomination poses both legal and reputational risks for the country. The Minority has also announced its intention to petition the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over the matter.
Concerns Over Legal Issues and Due Process
The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, had earlier petitioned President John Dramani Mahama, urging him to reconsider the nomination, highlighting concerns about Dr. Asiamah’s past legal troubles.
“As Governor of the Central Bank, he will be a member of the IMF Board of Governors, and this could expose Ghana to international scrutiny,” Dr. Boako stated.
The NPP MPs also argued that Dr. Asiamah cannot assume office until his nomination has been formally approved by the Council of State. They claim that despite this, he has already begun engaging with senior officials of the central bank, which they describe as unconstitutional.
“By constitutional requirement, his nomination requires consultation with the Council of State before he can be appointed. This means that Dr. Johnson Asiamah cannot legally operate as Governor until such consultation has taken place,” the Minority emphasized.
They further questioned:
- “How can someone who is yet to be appointed start assuming the duties of Governor?”
- “Would any decision taken by Dr. Asiamah in this capacity have legal authority?”
- “Wouldn’t this expose the central bank to legal risks?”
Dr. Asiamah’s Past Legal Troubles
Another key concern raised by the Minority is Dr. Asiamah’s past legal battles. Before his nomination, he was reportedly facing trial for multiple charges, including fraudulent breach of trust, money laundering, conspiracy to commit a crime, and violations of the Bank of Ghana Act.
According to the Minority, these charges were withdrawn by the Attorney General’s office just days before President Mahama nominated him for the BoG position, raising suspicions about the timing of the decision.
Minority’s Demand
The NPP MPs are demanding that Dr. Johnson Asiamah stays away from the Bank of Ghana until his nomination is legally confirmed.
“He can receive all the necessary briefings as he awaits approval, but he must not assume duties prematurely,” the Minority cautioned.
The development is expected to spark further debate in Parliament, as the opposition intensifies pressure on the government to ensure due process is followed in the appointment of Ghana’s top banking regulator.
