The Minority in Parliament has accused the Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Asiamaof failing to exercise proper oversight over the Gold-for-Reserves programme, following revelations of a $214 million loss linked to the initiative.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday (8 January) Deputy Minority Leader and Asokwa MP, Patricia Appiagyei said the central bank’s balance sheet carried the losses and questioned the role of its leadership in supervising the programme.
“The institution that funds the Gold-for-Reserves programme, the institution whose balance sheet bears the $214 million loss. The institution that should have provided rigorous oversight, under the Governor’s watch, these losses occurred.
“Excessive fees were allowed, trading losses mounted, controls failed and when the IMF exposed these losses, the Bank of Ghana issued a press release dismissing the IMF’s concern and defence, instead of scrutiny,” she said.
“As Governor, he must answer. What oversight did the Bank of Ghana provide, when did they become aware of losses and why defend and deny rather than investigate? Who approved the off-takers contract?” Appiagyei added.
She further questioned the credibility of accountability processes, noting public concern over governance and transparency.
“Critically, as someone who benefitted from the nolle prosequi, does he not see the public concern when accountability questions arise again around politically exposed actors?” she asked.
The Bank of Ghana has yet to publicly respond to the latest claims.
