Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has expressed concerns in Parliament regarding the appointment process of the new Governor of the Bank of Ghana Dr. Johnson Asiama. He questioned how the nominee assumed office before being confirmed by the Council of State, a move he argued contradicts constitutional requirements.
Afenyo-Markin demanded the Minister of Finance to brief Parliament on the matter, noting that the Minority had formally written to the President but had yet to receive a response.
“We believe strongly that the Minister of Finance if he’s scheduled to appear before us, can help clarify what is happening at the central bank,” he emphasized.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Friday, February 7, the Minority Leader complained about the current leadership vacuum at the Bank of Ghana.
He noted that Governor Dr. Ernest Addison is on leave ahead of his retirement, leaving only one deputy governor following the resignation of the other.
“In terms of hierarchy, there is no vacuum that necessitates a nominee rushing to assume office. A deputy governor can act as the interim governor pending the Council of State’s deliberations,” he asserted.
Afenyo-Markin urged the Majority Leader and the Government Business leader to facilitate discussions on the issue in the coming week.
Appointment Committee proceedings
The Minority Leader also addressed the ongoing probe into the chaos that occurred at the Appoinments Committee sitting, criticizing the public nature of the hearings despite Speaker Alban Bagbin’s earlier directive that they be conducted privately.
According to him, Mr. Speaker clearly stated that the Ad Hoc Committee’s hearings should not be a matter for public debate stating that the video evidence is available, and members can verify it.
He revealed that, in consultation with the Majority Leader, an agreement had been reached to pause committee deliberations until Speaker Bagbin’s return. However, the committee chairman proceeded with the hearings and made public statements that Afenyo-Markin deemed inappropriate and prejudicial.
“It is regrettable that the committee chair, who is supposed to be a neutral referee, has granted no less than six media interviews, casting aspersions on my character, attacking my personality, and pronouncing guilt,” Afenyo-Markin said. He accused the chair of acting in bad faith by making public pronouncements before a final decision was reached.
“I don’t understand why this has become a public hearing, with witnesses being invited and people making all sorts of claims. The chair’s actions are in bad faith and unbecoming of a neutral referee,” he lamented.
Afenyo-Markin urged restraint and respect for due process, warning against unnecessary public confrontations that could escalate tensions in Parliament.
“Enough of the insults, attacks, and castigations. We all want peace. If we are serious about resolving this matter peacefully, then in the national interest, let’s all step back and conduct ourselves accordingly,” he called out.
By Osumanu Al-Hassan/thenewsbulletin24.com