Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has advised the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama, to maintain the independence of his office and resist political influence. He cautioned against selective scrutiny of the bank’s actions and stressed the importance of the governor’s role in the economy amidst ongoing debates over the BoG’s new headquarters.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has counseled Dr. Johnson Asiama, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), to uphold the autonomy of his position and eschew political entanglements. During a parliamentary session, Mr. Afenyo-Markin warned against a selective examination of the central bank’s actions, reinforcing that the integrity of the BoG must be preserved.
He reminded the assembly that in the 2015 State of the Nation Address, then-President John Dramani Mahama expressed concerns regarding the inadequate supervision of the banking sector by the BoG, noting that Dr. Asiama was the deputy governor at that time.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin queried, “Are we now picking and choosing which matters we want the governor to brief us on?” He further urged Dr. Asiama to resist serving as a pawn for political agendas, underscoring the governor’s vital role in the nation’s economic framework.
The Minority Leader stated, “I do not want to politicize the office of the governor, and I urge others to do the same.” His comments coincide with ongoing discussions regarding the location of the BoG’s new headquarters, with the Minority expressing concerns about adherence to proper procedures, while the Majority counters the legitimacy of the process.
Additionally, Mr. Afenyo-Markin stressed the importance of the Majority in Parliament to exercise caution in economic dialogue, indicating that their approach could significantly impact Ghana’s financial stability. Dr. Johnson Asiama recently addressed Parliament regarding concerns about the new headquarters building, which was inaugurated on March 20, 2024, by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
In summary, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has emphatically urged Dr. Johnson Asiama, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, to maintain the independence of his role and refrain from political influences. His comments highlight the importance of the central bank’s integrity amid ongoing discussions regarding the BoG’s new headquarters. By advocating for a non-political approach, he emphasizes the critical nature of the governor’s responsibilities in safeguarding Ghana’s economic stability.
Original Source: www.ghanabusinessnews.com
