The Forum for Development and Accountable Governance (FDAG) has issued a stern warning against the rising trend of politically motivated accusations directed at public officials, citing recent allegations made by Dr. Gideon Boako against Dr. Johnson Asiama’s appointment as Governor of the Bank of Ghana.
In a press release signed by its Senior Research Fellow, Nana Kojo Abbam, FDAG accused Dr. Gideon Boako of misrepresenting legal facts, particularly in relation to the constitutional consultation and subsequent advice from the Council of State.
The group made reference to previous Supreme Court rulings which affirmed that the advice given by the Council of State is not binding on the President.
FDAG emphasized that “consultation is an advisory process and does not bind the President,” citing the Supreme Court’s ruling in the case of Agyei Twum v. Attorney General & Akwetey (2005) as a precedent.
Furthermore, the group highlighted that past administrations have appointed officials before the formal consultation with the Council of State was completed, indicating that the President retains ultimate discretion in such matters.
The statement also condemned the attempts to label Dr. Asiama as a criminal without due process, noting that all legal charges against him were dropped due to lack of evidence.
FDAG cautioned against baseless accusations that create a hostile political environment, discouraging competent professionals from serving in public office. The group stressed the importance of presenting any new evidence before the courts rather than engaging in public trials through political statements.
Highlighting Dr. Asiama’s significant contributions to Ghana’s financial system, including deposit protection and banking governance reforms, FDAG commended his leadership in designing and implementing the Deposit Protection Act, 2016 (Act 931), which established the Ghana Deposit Insurance Corporation (GDIC).
As Deputy Governor in charge of supervision at the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Asiama played a crucial role in shaping the deposit insurance framework, providing a critical safeguard for depositors in the event of bank failures.
Additionally, Dr. Asiama initiated the groundwork for the Corporate Governance Directive, which has since strengthened governance frameworks in Ghana’s banking sector, enhancing risk management and strategic planning.
FDAG called for a more constructive and evidence-based discourse from political actors, emphasizing the importance of public accountability through legal and institutional mechanisms rather than media trials and speculative accusations.
In conclusion, the group urged for a more responsible and measured approach to political discourse, particularly regarding appointments to key institutions, to uphold institutional credibility and integrity.
