Asiama is a known economic and finance expert with significant acumen – Kwakye Ofosu

Minister-designate for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu has said that the newly nominated Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Joshn Asiama is overly qualified for the job.

He said Dr Asaiama is a known economic and finance expert with significant acumen.

“He has worked in a previous capacity as the second deputy governor of the BoG and therefore is uniquely qualified to hold the position of governor of the BoG.

“That is what President Mahama considered in appointing him to the position, and we believe that he will do a very good job,” Ofosu stated.

He emphasised that the government is not worried about the opposition adding that stakeholders within the financial sector and the economy are well-grounded and understand the issues at hand.

“Government is not concerned. All the stakeholders within the financial sector, the stakeholders in the economy are people who are well-grounded and know what exactly the issues are regarding the economy and the nation’s finances.

‘They know too well that political actors want to grandstand and dabble in all manner of theatrics as a way of furthering their political interest.

“I am not sure that any serious investor out there or any player in the Ghanaian economy will make decisions based on some issues that the minority are raising, which are not grounded and motivated by politicking,” Kwakye Ofosu explained on Citi FM Wednesday, February 5.

On Tuesday, February 4, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin told Dr Johnson Asiama to stop holding himself as Governor until approved by the Council of State.

The Minority Leader had said that while awaiting confirmation, Dr Asiama can seek any necessary briefings outside the formal assumption of office.

Dr Asiama on Monday, February 3  formally assumed office and held his maiden meeting with senior executives of the central bank.

In a letter to President John Dramani Mahama dated February 3, 2025, Mr Afenyo-Markin said “I refer to the announcement from the Ag. Spokesperson to the President, Hon Felix Kwakye Ofosu on the above subject and dated Friday, January 31, 2025. The announcement states that the President has nominated Dr. Johnson Asiama to serve as Governor of the Bank of Ghana pending approval by the Council of State.

“However, Your Excellency, reports from various media houses today, Monday, February 3, 2025, indicate that Dr. Asiamah has proceeded to the Bank of Ghana and, in all intents and purposes, has assumed office as Governor, engaging in meetings and official activities. 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.

“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.
Furthermore, should the Council of State, upon its constitution, decide against approving Dr. Asiama’s nomination, what measures will be taken to address the actions he has already undertaken in his assumed capacity?

“Your Excellency, it is my considered view that Dr. Johnson Asiama should refrain from engaging in official duties at the Bank of Ghana until his nomination has been duly approved by the Council of State. While awaiting confirmation, he can seek any necessary briefings outside the formal assumption of office. I trust that due attention will be given to this matter to uphold the integrity of our institutional processes.”