Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin says the detailed cost breakdown of the new Bank of Ghana headquarters, presented by Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama to parliament indicates that due process was followed in the project’s execution.
Speaking in Parliament, he emphasized that the detailed cost breakdown of the Bank of Ghana headquarters project, presented by Dr. Johnson Asiama confirmed compliance with proper financial and procurement procedures.
“He has taken us through the step-by-step processes and the step-by-step procedures that the bank followed. I think that is a mark of leadership and on this side of the house, we convey to you our respect for that sincerity. The allegations of irregularity today have been put to a peaceful rest” he said.
The Minority Leader also explained that the cost variations in the project were justified by security requirements, including the addition of a power generation system, a recycling system, and extra buildings beyond the initial plan.
“In your submissions, you highlighted that even the standard costing procedure is lower than the industry market price. You have also shared with us, as the people’s representatives, that the variations were occasioned by necessity, which included security, the need to have a system that will generate power, and a recycling system”.
“You also added that apart from the original tower, other additional buildings were originally not considered as part of the original bid. I am happy that Hansard has witnessed all these explanations,” he stated.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Minority Caucus on October 3, 2023, demanded the resignation of the BoG governor at the time, Dr Ernest Addison, and his deputies for the bank’s GH¢60.81 billion loss in the 2022 fiscal year and the allocation of over $250 million for the new headquarters.
Dr Johnson Asiama, while presenting the total cost of the new headquarters of the Central Bank, to Parliament, stated that there was a value for money in the construction of the new Central Bank’s headquarters.
