Disregard CDM's attacks on Bank of Ghana Governor's appointment

Recent media reports titled "CDM to petition IMF, others if Mahama fails to revoke Asiama's appointment as BoG boss," have presented a misleading and politically charged narrative regarding the appointment of Dr. Johnson Asiama as Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG).

These claims risk undermining public trust in Ghana’s institutions and damaging the country’s economic credibility. It is imperative to set the record straight with facts and legal clarity.

No constitutional principles were violated

Dr. Asiama’s appointment as Governor of the Bank of Ghana was done in full compliance with Ghana’s constitutional and legal framework.

The President, John Dramani Maham as per his constitutional authority, appointed Dr. Asiama to the position, ensuring stability in the leadership of the nation’s central bank. Any claims suggesting that his appointment was in violation of constitutional principles are unfounded and misrepresent the established legal processes for such appointments.

Allegations against Dr. Asiama were fully resolved—case dismissed due to lack of merit

Claims by Center for Democratic Movement that allegations against Dr. Asiama remain unresolved are entirely false.

The Attorney General’s Department conducted a full review of the case and determined that there was no basis for prosecution. Consequently, the case was dropped, as it lacked merit. Under Ghanaian law, once the Attorney General exercises prosecutorial discretion to drop charges based on legal review, the matter is closed unless substantial new evidence emerges.

No such evidence has been presented. Any suggestion that concerns about his past actions remain unaddressed misrepresents the judicial process and finality of the legal review.

Internal memo confirmed no grounds for prosecution

Further reinforcing the lack of merit, the current Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has disclosed that an internal memo from the Prosecutions Division of the Attorney General’s Department—issued before he assumed office — recommended dropping all charges against Dr. Asiama.

Despite this official legal advice, the former Attorney General disregarded the recommendation and proceeded with a court case that should never have occurred.

Ghana’s sovereignty and His Excellency President John Mahama’s appointment of a Central Bank Governor must be respected

The most troubling aspect of this campaign against Dr. Asiama’s appointment is the suggestion that Ghana should seek external validation from the IMF and other international bodies regarding a sovereign domestic appointment.

The role of the Governor of the Bank of Ghana is a matter of national economic governance, and no foreign entity should dictate how Ghana appoints its central bank leadership.

No major economy, including those in the IMF’s own governance structure, submits its central bank appointments to external validation.

The Federal Reserve Chair in the U.S. or the European Central Bank President are sovereign appointments. Ghana, as a sovereign nation, must uphold the same principle, ensuring that its independent institutions remain free from external political pressures.

The attempt of CDM to involve the IMF and other external bodies in what is a purely internal matter undermines Ghana’s institutional independence and economic sovereignty.

It is particularly concerning that such a move is being championed by domestic political actors who should be focused on strengthening, rather than weakening, Ghana’s autonomy in decision-making.

It is time to move forward

At a time when Ghana needs stability and strong leadership, political actors must act responsibly. The Bank of Ghana is vital to price stability, financial resilience, and investor confidence. Political distractions weaken institutions and stall economic progress — it’s time to move beyond baseless allegations and focus on real solutions.

Attempts to undermine Dr. Asiama, despite his legal exoneration, are unproductive and divert attention from stabilizing the economy.

All stakeholders need to respect Ghana’s institutions, uphold national sovereignty in appointments, and allow him to execute his mandate without political interference.