Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has warned the Bank of Ghana’s Governor against political influence, stressing the importance of maintaining the independence of the central bank. He voiced concerns during a parliamentary session regarding the scrutiny of the bank’s actions and emphasized the critical role of the governor in supporting economic stability amidst discussions of the new BoG headquarters.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has urged Dr. Johnson Asiama, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), to uphold the independence of his office and steer clear of political controversies. During a parliamentary session, he cautioned against the selective scrutiny of the central bank’s actions, stressing the need for impartiality in assessments of the BoG’s performance.
Afenyo-Markin referenced the 2015 State of the Nation address by former President John Dramani Mahama, which raised concerns regarding the BoG’s supervision of the banking sector. He questioned whether the current scrutiny of the governor’s briefings was consistent or subject to selective focus.
The Minority Leader emphasized the importance of the governor’s role, warning against becoming a political tool, stating, “Mr. Governor, don’t make yourself a tool for political football.” He urged for non-politicization of the governor’s office and cautioned others to respect this principle.
His comments coincided with ongoing discussions regarding the new headquarters of the BoG. The Majority defended the legitimacy of its siting, while the Minority claimed that proper procedures had not been followed. He also called for prudent engagement in economic discussions, highlighting their implications for Ghana’s financial stability.
Dr. Johnson Asiama recently appeared before Parliament to address the establishment of the BoG’s headquarters, a state-of-the-art facility opened on March 20, 2024, by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, located at Ridge Roundabout in Accra.
In summary, the Minority Leader has called for the Bank of Ghana’s Governor to retain independence from political pressures. The discussion highlights the critical role of the central bank in ensuring economic stability and the importance of adherence to proper procedures, especially concerning the new headquarters. Emphasizing non-politicization and careful handling of economic matters could help safeguard Ghana’s financial future.
Original Source: www.ghanabusinessnews.com
