Former Chairman of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Prof. Stephen Adei, has criticized the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) members in parliament.
The former chairperson of the National Development Planning Commission labelled the NDC Minority’s call for the resignation of the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Ernest Addison, as a display of recklessness and irresponsibility.
According to Prof. Adei, the demand for the Governor and his deputies to step down lacks a proper understanding of the potential consequences.
“When the opposition talked about the governor resigning with his deputies. First of all they don’t know what they are talking about. If the governor and his deputies resign today, the impact will be gargantuan.
He stated that such abrupt resignations could have a substantial impact on currency depreciation and overall external confidence in the country’s financial system.
He expressed his concern about the opposition’s approach, referring to it as “irresponsible opposition.”
The NDC has expressed their intention to protest if the Governor of the BoG and his deputies do not resign within 21 days.
At a press conference held under the banner of the NDC’s “Moment of Truth” series on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader, party accused Dr. Addison of overseeing the mishandling of the Bank’s affairs, resulting in a reported loss of GH¢60.8 billion during the fiscal year 2022.
“In this regard, we call for the resignation of the Governor of the Central Bank and his deputies within 21 days from today,” Dr. Forson said.
“We are resolved to embark on popular action to occupy the Central Bank and drive out the team of inept, callous and criminal mismanagers of the finances of this country and save the Bank of Ghana. The March to Ensure Accountability will begin in 21 days if the Governor of the Bank of Ghana does not do the needful and pack bags and baggage out of that sacred institution that he has so desecrated. Dr Ernest Addisson Must Go! There has to be an end to impunity and it is NOW!,” he added.
Prof. Adei suggested that a more responsible course of action would involve the NDC initiating a parliamentary inquiry into the matter before resorting to further steps.
He emphasized that the opposition’s current approach could exacerbate the country’s economic challenges.
In his view, the sensitive nature of financial matters calls for a measured and informed response, rather than immediate demands for resignations.
“This particular one is totally irresponsible, they are oblivious of the impact of what they are saying is done today. In the normal circumstance you will ask immediately for the commission of inquiry to establish the parameters and parliament has the right to do so.
“For example here we are able to tell its 250 million dollars while its 250 million cedis. These things are so sensitive to the economy that you don’t say that if you don’t resign we are going to picket,” he stated.