The Forum for Development and Accountable Governance (FDAG) has strongly condemned what it describes as politically motivated attacks on the appointment of Dr. Johnson Asiama as Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG).
In a statement signed by Senior Research Fellow Nana Kojo Abbam, FDAG dismissed claims by Tano North MP Dr. Gideon Boako that the appointment lacked proper consultation and could harm Ghana’s credibility with international financial institutions. The group described these assertions as legally unfounded and damaging to Ghana’s governance system.
FDAG argued that under Article 70 of the 1992 Constitution, the President has the authority to appoint the Governor of the Bank of Ghana in consultation with the Council of State.
However, the Supreme Court has ruled that consultation does not require prior approval from the Council, meaning the President retains ultimate discretion in such appointments.
Citing the Agyei Twum v. Attorney General & Akwetey (2005) case, the statement clarified:
“The Supreme Court ruled that consultation is an advisory process and does not bind the President. While the Council’s input is valuable, it does not delay or prevent the President from making appointments.”
FDAG pointed out that previous administrations have made similar appointments before completing formal consultations. It further urged critics to seek legal redress in court if they believe a constitutional breach has occurred rather than making misleading public declarations.
Asiama Has No Criminal Record
The group also rejected claims that Dr. Asiama’s appointment tarnishes Ghana’s reputation, emphasizing that he has never been convicted of any crime.
“As long as Dr. Asiama has not been convicted of any wrongdoing or disqualified by relevant regulatory bodies, there is no basis to suggest that his appointment damages Ghana’s credibility,” the statement noted.
FDAG stressed that Ghana’s institutional credibility is weakened when political actors create unnecessary disputes over lawful appointments, rather than focusing on national development.
FDAG stressed that Dr.Asiama’s extensive contributions to Ghana’s banking sector, particularly his role in financial regulation and institutional reforms.
Dr. Asiama led the creation of the Ghana Deposit Insurance Corporation (GDIC), which protects depositors in the event of bank failures.
He was the architect behind early banking sector reforms that strengthened risk management and strategic planning within Ghana’s financial system.
FDAG noted that these contributions bolstered Ghana’s banking stability and proved Dr. Asiama’s competence and suitability for the BoG Governor role.
The group urged political actors to engage in constructive and evidence-based discourse, rather than resorting to attacks that undermine institutional credibility.
“Public accountability must be pursued through legal and institutional mechanisms, not through media trials and speculative accusations,” the statement concluded.
FDAG called for a measured approach to governance discussions, emphasizing that national institutions must be protected from unnecessary political interference.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
