Notwithstanding the opposition New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) reservations about the legitimacy and appropriateness of Dr. Johnson Asiama’s appointment, President John Dramani Mahama has voiced confidence in his ability to lead the Bank of Ghana (BoG).
The president’s support comes in the midst of a contentious discussion concerning Dr. Asiama’s prior legal troubles and his capacity to lead Ghana’s financial industry through its current predicament.
Citing Dr. Asiama’s prior involvement in the failure of UniBank and UT Bank, for which he was on trial before the government dropped all charges, the Minority in Parliament has been outspoken in its criticism of his appointment.
The NPP contended that Dr. Asiama’s legal background disqualifies him from serving as Governor of the BoG, a position that requires unwavering honesty and reliability.
President Mahama, however, defended Dr. Asiama’s appointment during the swearing-in ceremony of Dr. Johnson Asiama as Governor and Dr. Zakari Mumuni as First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, highlighting the necessity of knowledgeable and capable leadership to tackle the issues confronting Ghana’s financial industry.
“Ghana’s financial sector is in crisis and the task ahead demands experience foresight and decisive leadership. With Dr Asiama heading the Bank of Ghana, I am confident that we will rebuild trust in the institution, we will restore stability, and put our economy back on the path of sustained growth.
“I trust him with this responsibility knowing that he will serve with greater diligence and excellence,” he stated.
