The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has been left reeling after the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiamah, delivered a damning testimony before Parliament, debunking allegations of financial impropriety leveled against the bank’s previous administration.
The NDC had accused the former Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison, of misusing and embezzling funds during the construction of the bank’s new headquarters.
However, Dr. Johnson Asiama’s statement revealed that the construction costs were actually lower than expected, and the country did not lose any money.
This revelation has exposed the NDC’s propaganda efforts as nothing more than a desperate attempt to discredit the previous administration.
According to Dr. Asiama, discussions about the construction of a new headquarters for the Bank of Ghana began as far back as 2011, during the tenure of the previous board.
However, it wasn’t until 2019 that a structural integrity audit was conducted, revealing significant defects in the existing building.
The audit, which was conducted by a team of experts, revealed that the existing building had developed significant structural defects, making it unfit for purpose.
The defects included cracks in the walls and floors, water damage, and electrical faults.
The audit report recommended that the building be replaced with a new one that meets modern safety and security standards.
Dr. Asiama’s statement also highlighted the importance of proper procurement processes, which were followed in the construction of the new headquarters.
The Governor explained that the bank had followed all the necessary procurement procedures, including obtaining the necessary approvals from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA).
The Governor’s statement has also revealed that the cost per square meter of the new building is actually lower than the Ghanaian and West African average.
This is a significant achievement, considering the high standards of quality and safety that were required for the project.
-BY Daniel Bampoe
