The appointment of Dr Johnson Asiama as acting Governor of the Bank of Ghana has sparked controversy and concern among various stakeholders, including the Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM). The CDM has called on President John Dramani Mahama to reconsider this appointment due to unresolved issues related to Dr Asiama’s past involvement in the financial sector crisis.
Dr Asiama’s appointment has raised transparency and accountability concerns, particularly in light of his previous legal troubles connected to Ghana’s banking sector reforms. He was one of nine individuals charged in connection with the collapse of UniBank and UT Bank, facing allegations of fraudulent breach of trust, money laundering, conspiracy, and violations of the Bank of Ghana Act.
While the charges against Dr Asiama have been dropped by the new government, the CDM argues that reinstating him in such a critical role could compromise ethical governance and public trust in Ghana’s financial institutions. The movement emphasizes the importance of leadership appointments in the financial sector being based on merit and integrity to rebuild confidence in regulatory bodies.
Moreover, the CDM warns that retaining Dr Asiama in his position could have adverse effects on investor confidence in Ghana’s financial system. To address these concerns, the movement plans to escalate the issue by petitioning the European Union Representative in Ghana, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank if necessary.
It is crucial for the government to consider these concerns and prioritize ethical leadership in the financial sector to safeguard public trust and investor confidence. The appointment of key officials in regulatory institutions must be transparent and merit-based to ensure the stability and integrity of Ghana’s financial system.
