The Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Johnson Asiamah, has been summoned to appear before Parliament on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, to address mounting concerns surrounding the construction of the central bank’s new headquarters.
This follows a formal request initiated in August 2023 by Members of Parliament (MPs) from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). The MPs are demanding a detailed briefing on the project, specifically its financing structure, cost implications, scope, and timeline for completion.
During a session in Parliament, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the matter. He underscored the need for the central bank’s leadership to provide a comprehensive justification for the construction of the new facility.
“At the committee level, we resolved to invite the Governor of the Bank of Ghana to appear before this house next Wednesday as an independent constitutional entity. The aim is to understand the pricing dynamics of the new headquarters. We are particularly interested in the reasons for the price variations, the methodology for determining quantities, and, above all, the rationale for undertaking such a project at this time,” Ayariga explained.
The decision to summon Dr. Asiamah comes in the wake of recent controversies surrounding the bank’s expenditure, as critics question the necessity of a new headquarters amidst economic challenges.
Adding to the debate is the legacy of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who inaugurated the Bank Square—a state-of-the-art facility serving as the new headquarters for the Bank of Ghana—on November 20, 2024. The event drew both praise and criticism, with some viewing it as a symbol of progress and others decrying it as an excessive expense.
As the March 5 session approaches, all eyes will be on Dr. Asiamah to provide answers that could shape the public’s perception of the BoG’s priorities and fiscal prudence. Parliament is expected to scrutinize the project thoroughly, ensuring that the concerns of both the lawmakers and the public are adequately addressed.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
