Minority to Stage Another #OccupyBoGProtest on July 30

The Minority caucus in Parliament has hinted at plans to stage a second protest demanding the removal of the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Ernest Addison, and his two deputies from office.

According to sources within the caucus, it is imperative to replace the governor, who they claim has overseen significant mismanagement at the Central Bank, with a more competent individual.

On October 3, 2023, members of the caucus previously protested to call for the resignation of the BoG’s governor and deputies after the bank reported a GH¢60.81 billion loss for the 2022 fiscal year and allocated over $250 million for constructing a new headquarters. Protesters assembled at the Obra Spot at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle and marched to Adabraka, Ridge Roundabout, National Theatre Traffic Light, High Court Complex Traffic Light, and Attah Mills Highway, before making a U-turn at the National Lottery Authority and concluding at Independence Square. The leadership presented a petition to the governor, who declined to meet them in person and sent his head of security instead.

Although the initial protest was unsuccessful, efforts to schedule a new date have been ongoing for nearly a year. Bawku Central Member of Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, filed a Right to Information Act (RTI) request seeking details on the combined losses of approximately GHS 70 billion reported in BoG’s financial statements for 2022 and 2023. He also requested information on the over GH¢250 million spent on BoG’s new head office and a clinic currently under construction.

Sources indicate that the Bawku Central lawmaker will lead the upcoming protest on July 30, having obtained the necessary authorization and clearance from the police.

 

 

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