The Minority Leader of Parliament, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has formally requested a rescheduling of the public protest, scheduled against, Dr Ernest Addison, the Governor and the Board of the Bank of Ghana.
The demonstration, originally planned for July 30, 2024, is now proposed to take place on August 13, 2024, from 8 am to 6 pm.
“Your letter dated 17th July 2024 approving the date and route of the planned demonstration against the Governor and deputies of the Bank of Ghana refers. Following our discussion and conclusion of the date with your office, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) announced the 27th of July 2024 as the date of the launch of our national campaign in Tamale. Given that this date is so close to our planned demonstration in Accra, the 27th July date has become inconvenient.
Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, MP, Ajumako Essiam Enyan Constituency and Minority Leader
In his request, addressed to the Greater Accra Regional Police Command, the Ajumako Essiam Enyan Member of Parliament, Dr. Forson indicated that the new date is also intended to allow for better planning and coordination, both for the protest organizers and for the police protection required during the demonstration.
According to him, the planned protest will follow the approved route, beginning at Obra Spot and proceeding through Adabraka, Farisco, Ridge Roundabout, National Theatre Traffic Light, High Court Complex, and Atta Mills Highway, terminating at the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum.
The Minority Leader emphasized that the route was previously agreed upon in consultation with the police to ensure the safety and orderliness of the event.
The Cardinal Sins of the Bank of Ghana
Highlighting the reasons necessitating the Minority Caucus’s proposed protest, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson mentioned several grievances against the Bank of Ghana’s leadership.
Foremost among these is the escalating cost of the new Bank of Ghana Corporate Head Office building, which Dr Ato Forson alleged has reportedly ballooned to over USD 270 million from its originally approved estimate of USD 81,882,640.00.
The significant increase in cost, the Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson noted has not been adequately explained by the Governor and his board, raising concerns about transparency and financial management.
Furthermore, the National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for the people of Ajuamko Essiam Enyan Constituency pointed out the construction of a multi-million dollar residence for the Governor of the Bank of Ghana in Accra.
The cost of the said project, Dr Ato Forson noted remains undisclosed despite repeated inquiries from the Minority Caucus in Parliament.
These expenditures are occurring in the context of what Dr. Forson describes as the Central Bank’s policy insolvency and bankruptcy, further aggravating the situation.
Dr Ato Forson accused the Governor of the Central Bank, Dr Ernest Addison, and his board of continuing to engage in wasteful spending while refusing to answer critical questions regarding the latest costs of the two projects
“The Central Bank’s financial mismanagement is a matter of national concern, and the public deserves answers and accountability”, Dr. Ato Forson stated.
He pointed out that the protest aims to draw attention to the issues that have been mostly intimated by some members of the Minority Caucus in Parliament and demand accountability from the Bank of Ghana’s leadership.
Dr. Forson concluded his remarks by emphasizing that the additional time before the rescheduled protest would provide both parties with more space to plan and ensure adequate police protection during the event.
The demonstration on August 13, 2024, is anticipated to be a significant event, reflecting widespread public dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs at the Bank of Ghana.
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