Dr. Johnson Asiamah has been nominated as Governor of the Bank of Ghana
The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin has raised concerns regarding the nomination and assumed role of Dr. Johnson Asiamah as the new Governor of the Bank of Ghana.
Dr. Asiamah’s appointment, which took effect after Governor Ernest Addison proceeded on terminal leave on February 3, 2025, is still pending approval by the Council of State.
In a letter addressed to President John Dramani Mahama and dated February 3, 2025, Afenyo-Markin questioned the constitutionality of Dr. Asiamah’s appointment, citing the lack of approval from the Council of State.
He noted that the President’s Acting Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, announced Dr. Asiamah’s nomination on January 31, 2025. However, subsequent reports from media outlets indicate that Dr. Asiamah has already assumed the duties of Governor, engaging in meetings and official activities at the Bank of Ghana.
Afenyo-Markin highlighted that Dr. Asiamah’s assumption of office without the constitutionally required approval from the Council of State raises procedural and constitutional concerns. Drawing a parallel with judicial appointments.
“With all due respect, Your Excellency, it is concerning that an individual who has merely been nominated—and whose appointment is still pending approval by the Council of State—has taken on the responsibilities of the office in the absence of such approval. This raises serious procedural and constitutional concerns, particularly given that the Council of State has not yet been constituted,” Afenyo-Markin wrote.
He argued that it would be deemed inappropriate for a judicial nominee to begin administering justice without the necessary approvals from the Judicial Council emphasising that that the same principle should apply to the Bank of Ghana appointment.
“It is worth considering the precedent this sets. If, for instance, a judicial nominee were to take their seat in court and begin administering justice before receiving the necessary approvals from the Judicial Council, it would be widely deemed inappropriate. The same principle must apply in this instance,” he wrote.
“Furthermore, should the Council of State, upon its constitution, decide against approving Dr. Asiamah’s nomination, what measures will be taken to address the actions he has already undertaken in his assumed capacity?,” Afenyo-Markin questioned.
The Minority Leader, therefore, called on President Mahama to address the matter and ensure that institutional processes are respected.
He also advised the new BoG Governor to refrain from engaging in official duties at the Bank of Ghana until his nomination receives formal approval.
MA