The Caucus for Democratic Governance, Ghana (CDG-GH) vehemently denounces what it perceives as politically motivated attacks against Dr. Johnson Asiamah, recently appointed Governor of the Bank of Ghana by President Mahama. These attacks, emanating from elements within the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), target Dr. Asiamah’s professional integrity and question the legitimacy of his appointment. CDG-GH underscores Dr. Asiamah’s distinguished career within the central bank, highlighting his ascent through the ranks based on merit and unwavering professional ethics. They point to his previous, abrupt dismissal from the Bank of Ghana during the previous NPP administration under suspicion of corruption as a politically motivated act. CDG-GH emphasizes that despite an eight-year trial, Dr. Asiamah has never been convicted of any wrongdoing by a court of competent jurisdiction. They call upon the NPP to uphold the fundamental constitutional principle of “innocent until proven guilty” and cease these unfounded allegations.
Central to the CDG-GH’s argument is the timing of the charges being dropped against Dr. Asiamah. On January 30, 2025, the state discontinued the prosecution following an internal memorandum advising the then Attorney General, Godfred Dame, to do so. The memorandum, according to CDG-GH, indicated that the alleged offenses related to issues within the central bank that had already been resolved. Despite this advice, Mr. Dame persisted with the prosecution, a move that CDG-GH interprets as a politically motivated witch-hunt aimed at intimidating political opponents and wasting public funds. This insistence on pursuing the case, despite internal advice to the contrary, further solidifies CDG-GH’s conviction that the charges against Dr. Asiamah were politically motivated and without merit.
CDG-GH specifically criticizes prominent NPP figures, including Hon. Afenyo Markin and Dr. Gideon Boako, for their calls on President Mahama to revoke Dr. Asiamah’s appointment. They dismiss these calls as mischievous and malicious attempts to tarnish Dr. Asiamah’s reputation. The CDG-GH poses the question: are these former NPP officials attempting to preemptively silence Dr. Asiamah, fearing he might expose their own potential wrongdoings during their time in government? CDG-GH suggests that the collapse of banks like UT and Capital Bank, often attributed to mismanagement during Dr. Asiamah’s previous tenure, were actually the result of poor governance under the Akufo-Addo and Bawumia administration. They urge the NPP to reflect on their own performance in government and allow the new administration, led by President Mahama and with Dr. Asiamah at the helm of the central bank, to address the nation’s economic challenges.
CDG-GH commends the current Attorney General for discontinuing the case against Dr. Asiamah, a decision they believe will save public resources that can be redirected towards development projects. They express their full confidence in Dr. Asiamah’s ability to lead the Bank of Ghana, urging him to focus on strengthening the institution’s oversight and contributing to a more robust economy. The organization’s strong support for Dr. Asiamah highlights their belief in his innocence and their conviction that the charges against him were politically motivated. They see his reinstatement as an opportunity to restore integrity and stability to the central bank.
The CDG-GH’s statement serves as a strong defense of Dr. Asiamah and a sharp critique of what they perceive as politically motivated attacks by the opposition NPP. Their emphasis on the principle of “innocent until proven guilty” and the alleged disregard for legal advice by the former Attorney General underscores their concern about the politicization of legal processes. By questioning the motives of those calling for Dr. Asiamah’s removal, the CDG-GH raises broader concerns about accountability and transparency within the political system.
In concluding, CDG-GH expresses their full support for Dr. Asiamah’s appointment and their hope that he will succeed in his role as Governor of the Bank of Ghana. They call for an end to the political attacks, urging all parties to prioritize the nation’s economic stability and allow Dr. Asiamah to focus on the critical task of leading the central bank. This statement reflects the CDG-GH’s commitment to good governance and their belief in the importance of protecting individuals from politically motivated persecution. They see the appointment of Dr. Asiamah not only as a victory for justice but also as a crucial step towards ensuring sound economic management for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
