The Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has penned a letter to President John Dramani Mahama over his appointment of Dr. Johnson Asiamah to serve as Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), pending approval by the Council of State.

The Minority Leader, in the letter dated February 3, 2025, raised procedural issues with the appointment of Dr. Johnson Asiamah.

He said that even though the Council of State is yet to approve Dr. Asiamah’s appointment, as required by law, he has already resumed duties.

He asked President Mahama what the fate of Dr. Asiamah would be if the Council of State, which is yet to be constituted, rejects his appointment.

“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,” Afenyo-Markin wrote.

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

The Minority Leader went on to urge President Mahama to do the right thing in order to uphold the integrity of institutional processes.

Read his full letter below:

3rd February, 2025

H. E. JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA
JUBILEE HOUSE, ACCRA

Your Excellency,

RE: PRESIDENT MAHAMA NOMINATES DR. JOHNSON ASIAMAH AS GOVERNOR OF THE BANK OF GHANA

I refer to the announcement from the Acting Spokesperson to the President, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, on the above subject, dated Friday, January 31, 2025.

The announcement states that the President has nominated Dr. Johnson Asiamah 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. Asiamah’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 Asiamah 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.

Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Yours faithfully,
OSAHEN ALEXANDER KWAMENA AFENYO-MARKIN

BAI/AE

Meanwhile, watch as Kwami Sefa Kayi begs NDC to return to Kokrokoo show



You can also watch videos from the Minority after chaos erupted during Mintah Akandoh's vetting