President Mahama nominates Dr Johnson Asiama as Bank of Ghana Governor
President John Dramani Mahama has nominated Dr Johnson Asiama to serve as Governor of the Bank of Ghana, pending approval by the Council of State. This announcement was made in a statement released by the Presidency on Friday, January 31, 2025.
According to the statement, “Dr Asiama’s nomination follows the receipt and acceptance of a formal request by current Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison, to proceed on leave leading to his retirement on 31st March, 2025.”
Dr Asiama previously served as Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana between 2016 and 2017. He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Southampton, UK, and, as the statement notes, “has extensive experience in monetary policy formulation, financial stability regulation and economic research.”
The Presidency highlighted Dr Asiama’s extensive experience in the banking sector, having worked at the Bank of Ghana for over 23 years.
The statement added that he “has over the years demonstrated commitment to implementing sound monetary and exchange rate policy, foster a stable financial system, as well as promoting accelerated economic growth in Ghana.”
This nomination comes after the recent withdrawal of charges against Dr Asiama by the Attorney-General. Dr Asiama had been facing trial in two separate cases related to the collapse of UniBank and UT Bank.
A notice of withdrawal, filed at the trial court and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa, stated: “Please take note that at the next hearing of this suit, the Prosecutor on the instructions of the Honourable Attorney-General hereby withdraws all offences and or charges against the Johnson Asiama herein under sections 59(1), (2)(b)(ii) and (5) of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act (1960), Act 30.”
While the charges against Dr Asiama have been dropped, the trials of other accused persons in the UniBank and UT Bank cases are expected to proceed.