The Forum for Development and Accountable Governance (FDAG) has strongly defended the appointment of Dr. Johnson Asiamah as Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), rejecting claims by Dr. Gideon Boako, Member of Parliament for Tano North, that the appointment is unconstitutional and damages Ghana’s credibility.
The Minority caucus in Parliament led by Dr. Gideon Boako on February 5, 2025, announced during a press conference plans to formally notify the International Monetary Fund (IMF) about the decision by President Mahama to drop criminal charges against Dr. Asiamah in his role over collapsed banks, and appointing same as Acting Governor of Bank of Ghana.
However in a statement issued Thursday, signed by Senior Research Fellow Nana Kojo Abbam the group described Dr. Boako’s remarks as misleading and politically motivated, warning that such rhetoric undermines due process and institutional integrity.
FDAG took issue with Dr. Boako’s claim that Dr. Asiamah is a ‘potential criminal convict’, describing it as a reckless statement that contradicts Ghana’s legal principles.
“The Attorney General withdrew charges against Dr. Asiamah due to lack of evidence. This means no wrongdoing was established. If new evidence exists, it should be presented in court instead of engaging in political character assassination,” FDAG argued.
FDAG also dismissed Dr. Boako’s assertion that the appointment of Dr. Asiamah was illegitimate because the Council of State was not consulted. Citing Article 70 of the 1992 Constitution, the group explained that while the President is required to consult the Council of State, the Supreme Court has ruled that this consultation does not require prior approval.
Referring to the Agyei Twum v. Attorney General & Akwetey (2005) case, FDAG stated that the President retains ultimate discretion in making such appointments.
The group stated that past administrations have also made appointments before formal consultations were completed.
“If anyone believes a constitutional breach has occurred, the appropriate action is a legal challenge in court, not public statements that distort the law,” FDAG stated.
“There is no evidence that Dr. Asiama’s appointment threatens Ghana’s credibility. Instead, it is the continued politicization of appointments that creates instability and discourages professionals from public service,” the statement read.
The group touted Dr. Asiamah’s achievements in Ghana’s financial sector
According to them, Dr. Asiama’s contributions to Ghana’s banking sector, particularly his role in strengthening financial regulations.
The group argued that,Dr. Asiamah played a key role in establishing the Ghana Deposit Insurance Corporation (GDIC), which protects depositors in the event of bank failures.
As Deputy Governor of BoG, Dr. Asiamah initiated key banking reforms to improve risk management and governance structures in Ghana’s financial sector.
These contributions, according to FDAG, demonstrate Dr. Asiamah’s competence and suitability for the role of Governor.
