The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has raised the prospect of legal repercussions, including fines or imprisonment, for the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Ernest Addison.
Ablakwa’s comments come in the midst of escalating protests demanding Dr. Addison’s resignation, with allegations of financial mismanagement at the center of the controversy.
The minority group, following the organization of the #OccupyBoG Protest, has been fervently demanding the immediate resignation of the governor and his two deputies. In response, Dr. Ernest Addison stated that he has no intentions of resigning, suggesting that the minority could have pursued alternative channels to voice their concerns rather than resorting to demonstrations that he characterized as the actions of “hooligans.”
During an appearance on Metro-TV’s “Good Morning Ghana,” Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa suggested that Dr. Addison could soon join the ranks of central bank governors in other countries who are facing criminal charges for alleged economic mismanagement.
Ablakwa indicated that if Dr. Addison is found guilty, he could face imprisonment or fines. He cited examples from other nations where central bank governors have been prosecuted for their actions.
“I don’t know what is happening this year. If you follow this international central bank news, it’s been a year of bad governance. In Nigeria, the former central bank governor has been jailed, he is being prosecuted. If you go to Lebanon, their former governor has also been blacklisted by the UK and the US, he has been indicted,” Ablakwa noted.
He also criticized Dr. Addison’s characterization of the protesters as “hooligans” and called for an apology, highlighting the governor’s own history of participating in demonstrations during his time as a Member of Parliament under the Rawlings administration.
Ablakwa reiterated the determination of the #OccupyBoG protest movement, stating that they would continue their demonstrations until their demand for Dr. Addison’s resignation is met.
