The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has addressed concerns surrounding Dr. Johnson Asiama's resignation from its governing board, stating that his decision was due to a busy schedule and not related to any dispute or wrongdoing. This clarification comes after Dr. Asiama revealed his resignation during the Bank of Ghana's 132nd Monetary Policy Committee meeting on September 24. Dr. Asiama had stepped down from the GoldBod board about five months prior and no longer attends its meetings.
GoldBod's Media Relations Officer, Prince Kwame Minkah, emphasized that Dr. Asiama's absence from the board does not indicate any issues within the organization. He also denied any conflict between the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and GoldBod. According to Minkah, Dr. Asiama had nominated the BoG's Second Deputy Governor, Mrs. Matilda Asante-Asiedu, to represent him on the board due to his busy schedule.
The arrangement is permissible under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140), which allows the Governor or a representative not below the rank of a director to serve on the board. GoldBod noted that similar arrangements have been made by other government officials serving on the board. For instance, the Ministry of Finance was represented by Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem due to the Finance Minister's busy schedule.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, initially served on the board but later nominated his Chief Director, Marcus Haligah, in January 2026. GoldBod stated that Dr. Asiama's decision should be viewed within the same context. The clarification aims to address questions raised about Dr. Asiama's membership in the GoldBod board, particularly regarding the BoG's financing of GoldBod's gold-purchasing operations and reported losses associated with the domestic gold purchase programme.
The New Patriotic Party had previously expressed concerns about Dr. Asiama's membership in the GoldBod board. The party questioned the potential conflict of interest, given the BoG's role in financing GoldBod's operations. However, GoldBod's statement suggests that Dr. Asiama's resignation was a result of his busy schedule and not related to any concerns about the relationship between the central bank and GoldBod.
GoldBod's statement provides insight into the circumstances surrounding Dr. Asiama's resignation. The organization emphasized that the Governor's decision was not a result of any dispute or rot within the organization. Instead, it was a necessary arrangement due to his busy schedule. This clarification aims to alleviate concerns about the relationship between the BoG and GoldBod.
The Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140), provides a framework for the board's composition and operations. According to the Act, the Governor or a representative not below the rank of a director can serve on the board. GoldBod's statement highlights that similar arrangements have been made by other government officials, ensuring that the organization's operations continue smoothly despite the busy schedules of its members.
Key points
- Dr. Asiama's exit from GoldBod board was due to busy schedule, not dispute or rot.
- GoldBod clarifies that Dr. Asiama's resignation was in line with the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).
- The New Patriotic Party had previously raised concerns about Dr. Asiama's membership in the GoldBod board.
