The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has raised serious concerns over Dr Johnson Asiamah’s assumption of office as Governor of the Bank of Ghana despite his nomination still awaiting approval from the Council of State.
In a letter addressed to President John Dramani Mahama, Afenyo-Markin referenced an announcement by the Acting Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, on January 31, 2025, confirming Dr. Asiamah’s nomination. However, the Minority Leader pointed out that media reports on February 3 indicated that Dr. Asiamah had already begun performing official duties at the central bank.
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“With all due respect, Your Excellency, it is concerning that an individual who has merely been nominated—and whose appointment is still pending approval—has taken on the responsibilities of the office in the absence of such approval,” Afenyo-Markin stated.
He emphasized that the Council of State, which is responsible for approving such appointments, has not yet been constituted. This, he warned, raises procedural and constitutional concerns, setting a dangerous precedent.
“If, for instance, a judicial nominee were to take their seat in court and begin administering justice before receiving the necessary approvals, it would be widely deemed inappropriate. The same principle must apply in this instance,” he argued.
Afenyo-Markin further questioned the implications if the Council of State were to reject Dr. Asiamah’s nomination after he had already assumed duties, stressing the need to protect institutional integrity.
He urged President Mahama to ensure that Dr. Asiamah refrains from performing any official duties until his nomination has been formally approved.
The development comes as the country awaits the full constitution of the Council of State, which plays a key role in vetting presidential nominees for such high-level positions.
