Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, expressed serious concerns over the situation over the premature assumption of office by Dr. Johnson Asiamah, who was recently nominated by President John Dramani Mahama as the Governor of the Bank of Ghana.
The nomination is pending approval by the Council of State.
Reports, however, indicate that Dr. Asiamah, despite awaiting formal confirmation, has already begun performing official duties at the central bank, engaging in meetings and other administrative activities.
This development, according to the Minority leader, raises questions of legality and procedural integrity.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to President Mahama, the Minority leader stressed that a nominee whose appointment is still pending approval by the Council of State has taken on the responsibilities of the office in the absence of such approval.
He argued that the Council of State has not yet been constituted, raising procedural and constitutional concerns.
“It is worth considering the precedent this sets. 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 added.
The Majority Leader urged the President to ensure that Dr. Asiamah refrains from assuming any official duties until his nomination has been duly approved.
“While awaiting confirmation, he can seek any necessary briefings outside the formal assumption of office,” he advised.
