The Forum for Development and Accountable Governance (FDAG) has cautioned against the growing trend of politically motivated accusations against public officials, citing recent claims made by Dr Gideon Boako, MP for Tano North, regarding Dr Johnson Asiama’s appointment as Governor of the Bank of Ghana.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its Senior Research Fellow, Nana Kojo Abbam, FDAG accused Dr Boako of distorting legal facts, particularly concerning the constitutional consultation and subsequent advice from the Council of State.
The group referenced Supreme Court rulings affirming that the advice of the Council of State is not binding on the President.
The civil society organisation stated: “In the landmark case of Agyei Twum v. Attorney General & Akwetey (2005), the Supreme Court clarified that consultation is an advisory process and does not bind the President. This means that while the Council’s input is valuable, the President retains ultimate discretion.”
Furthermore, FDAG argued that past administrations have appointed officials before formal consultation with the Council of State was completed.
It stated, “If any individual or party believes a constitutional breach has occurred, the appropriate recourse is a legal challenge in court, not public declarations that distort the law.”
The group also condemned attempts to label Dr Asiama a criminal without due process, emphasising that all legal charges against him were withdrawn due to lack of evidence. It warned that such baseless accusations create an unhealthy political environment discouraging competent professionals from serving in public office.
The statement stressed: “The charges previously brought against Dr Asiama were withdrawn by the Attorney General due to lack of evidence. This means that after a thorough investigation, the legal authorities found no grounds to prosecute him. If new evidence has emerged, the appropriate course of action is to present it before the courts rather than engage in public trials through political statements.”
FDAG expressed concern over the increasing trend of individuals facing reputational attacks based on political affiliations rather than concrete legal findings, cautioning that such practices undermine the fairness and impartiality of Ghana’s governance institutions.
Highlighting Dr Asiama’s key contributions to Ghana’s financial system, including deposit protection and banking governance reforms, FDAG noted: “One of his most significant contributions was his leadership in designing and implementing the Deposit Protection Act, 2016 (Act 931), which established the Ghana Deposit Insurance Corporation (GDIC).”
The civil society group further explained that, as Deputy Governor in charge of supervision at the Bank of Ghana, Dr Asiama played a key role in shaping the deposit insurance framework, which serves as a critical safeguard for depositors in the event of bank failures.
“The GDIC remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s financial stability, providing confidence in the banking system and protecting depositors from systemic risks,” it added.
FDAG also credited Dr Asiama as the key architect in initiating the groundwork for the Corporate Governance Directive, later issued in 2018.
“This directive has strengthened governance frameworks in Ghana’s banking sector, enhancing risk management, strategic planning, and board and management competencies. Insiders at the Bank of Ghana acknowledge that this critical reform began under Dr Asiama’s leadership before the change in government in 2016, which led to his contract termination,” the statement stressed.
The organisation called on political actors to engage in constructive, evidence-based discourse rather than resorting to attacks that undermine institutional credibility.
“FDAG calls for a more responsible and measured approach to political discourse, particularly regarding appointments to key institutions. Public accountability must be pursued through legal and institutional mechanisms, not through media trials and speculative accusations,” the statement concluded.
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