The Governor of the Central Bank, Dr. Johnson Asiama has revealed that about $230 million dollars have been paid to the contractor responsible for the establishment of the multi-million Bank of Ghana headquarters at Ridge, Accra.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament for the first time since his appointment as head of the country’s Central Bank, Dr. Asiama stated that the state was left with nearly $32 million to fully settle the cost of the high-rise building complex.
“Mr. Speaker, as of February this year, a total of $230 million approximately has been paid towards the project with an outstanding of $31.8 million to be paid to the contractor,” he disclosed.
The project, which he said was initially estimated to cost the state $81.8 million rose to $261.8 million when it was eventually realized.
During his address, he told lawmakers that aside from the contract for the building, contracts had been awarded for other resources including security installations and furniture.
“Mr. Speaker, beyond the core building, separate contracts were awarded for other infrastructure This include ICT systems and network infrastructure which was awarded at a cost of $8.6 million. Integrated electronic security systems, which was also awarded $15.8 million and furniture and furnishing which was also awarded at a cost of $11.1 million.
“These elements were included to ensure operates in a secure and technologically advanced environment in line with the needs of a modern Central Bank,” he clarified.
The Bank of Ghana edifice was inaugurated by President Akufo-Addo and his vice-president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia last year. Dr. Ernest Addison was head of the bank at the time.
Referred to as The Bank Square, it includes a 22-tower storey building accommodating offices, meeting rooms and a banking hall. It also has a nine-storey structure for offices, computer labs, cafeteria and lecture rooms.
Dr. Asiama’s appearance before the House was not without disagreements. While the Majority caucus were supportive of summoning him, the Minority side led by its leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin on grounds that it set a bad precedent.
