The Minority in Parliament has called on Dr Johnson Asiamah to refrain from engaging in any activities at the Bank of Ghana (BoG) until his nomination as the Governor is approved by the Council of State.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, 5th February, the Minority, led by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tano North, Dr Gideon Boako, expressed concerns over his involvement in the central bank’s affairs before receiving the necessary confirmation.
The Minority questioned the implications of Dr Asiamah assuming the role of Governor before the Council of State has had the opportunity to approve his nomination.
They compared the situation to a judge who begins administering justice without undergoing the due process outlined by the Judicial Council.
The Minority argued that such a scenario would set a problematic precedent and could undermine the proper appointment procedures.
Furthermore, they raised concerns about the potential consequences should the Council of State ultimately reject Dr Asiamah’s nomination. “Supposing the Council of State, when it is constituted, doesn’t approve the President’s nomination of Dr Asiamah, what would be done about his presence and activities at the Bank of Ghana in the interim?” they questioned.
According to them, his actions in office before approval could lead to complications regarding decisions and policies he may have initiated.
In light of these concerns, the Minority urged Dr Asiamah to exercise caution and await formal approval before assuming full responsibilities at the BoG.
“We humbly suggest that Dr Johnson Asiamah ought to keep well away from the Bank of Ghana until his nomination is approved by the Council of State. He can ask for and get all the briefing he requires as he awaits the approval,” they advised.
Attorney-General files to withdraw charges against former Deputy Governor of BoG, Johnson Asiamah
The Attorney-General, Dominic Ayine, on January 30, 2025, filed a notice to withdraw all charges against former Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Pandit Asiamah, who has been standing trial in two separate cases for his alleged role in the collapse of UniBank and UT Bank.
Mr Asiamah, along with other accused persons, had been facing charges of fraudulent breach of trust, money laundering, conspiracy to commit crime, and violations of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) Act since 2020.
In the case of UT Bank’s collapse, the former second deputy governor was charged alongside five others, including the bank’s founder, Prince Kofi Amoabeng.
The other accused persons in that case were Raymond Amanfu, UT Holdings Ltd., Catherine Johnson, and Robert Kwesi Armah.
Regarding the UniBank case, the former Finance Minister, Dr Kwabena Duffuor, his son Dr Kwabena Duffuor II, who was the CEO of UniBank before its collapse, and other executives were also charged with money laundering.
The notice of withdrawal applies only to Johnson Asiamah, while the trials of the other accused persons are expected to proceed.
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