Dr Johnson Asiamah: The economist President Mahama nominated to lead Bank of Ghana

Ghana’s re-elected president, John Dramani Mahama, has nominated Dr Johnson Asiamah to be the next governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG)

He was nominated for the position after the apex bank’s current governor, Dr Ernest Addison went on leave ahead of his retirement in March, 2025.

Dr Asiamah’s nomination by the president has raised a lot of questions about his background and work experience in the finance industry.

Dr Asiamah’s professional and educational background

Dr Asiamah is an economist with a robust career in banking supervision, macroecomic policy, as well as investment consultancy. He joined the Bank of Ghana in 1996 and has had a good career for decades.

He served as the Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana from May 2016 to January 2018, where he managed important departments, including Research and Statistics, and the Banking and Finance departments.

Dr Asiamah holds a doctorate in Economics from the University of Southampton and is also a member of the American Economic Association.

A loud voice in Ghana’s economic sector

In August 2019, Dr Asiamah openly criticised the then Nana-Addo government for allegedly mishandling the banking sector cleanup.

According to him, public statements by some officials played a role in the collapse of some savings and loans companies.

Responding to his statement, the Ghana’s apex bank refuted his claims and stressed on the importance of their actions to protect depositors.

The banking sector cleanup had led to massive job losses and has negatively impacted the economy.

In September 2024, he also raised concerns about the government’s ‘Gold for Oil’ initiative, stating that it is opaque in nature, has no clear blueprint and will burden the Bank of Ghana.

As he prepares takes on the role of BoG’s governor, Ghanaian citizens are hoping that he is dedicated and committed to the position and is able to drive Ghana’s economic future to greater heights.