Majority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Nelson-Rockson Dafemekpor, has criticized Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s objections regarding the assumption of duty by the newly appointed Bank of Ghana (BoG) Governor, Dr. Johnson Asiamah.

Afenyo-Markin had previously written to President John Mahama, raising concerns that Dr. Asiamah had started his duties before receiving approval from the Council of State.

This, he argued, could set a dangerous precedent. The Minority Leader cited a media report about Dr. Asiamah's activities at the bank following a brief engagement with the BoG management on February 3.

Afenyo-Markin compared the situation to a judicial nominee presiding over court cases before receiving the proper approvals, calling it "inappropriate."

In a response posted on the social media platform X, Mr. Dafemekpor refuted Afenyo-Markin’s criticism, pointing out that no law had been cited to support the Minority Leader's claims.

“Now, it’s curious that Hon. Afenyo-Markin is lamenting the official presence of the new Governor at BoG yet he was unable to point to any law that has been breached in that regard,” he said.

Dafemekpor also referenced a previous court case, highlighting a ruling that clarified the President’s authority in such matters.

“In the case of GBA & Ors vrs. AG & Ors [2016] GHA SC 43... Dotse JSC (as he then was) delivering a concurring opinion... had this to say to the Hon. Afenyo-Markin as Counsel for the Plaintiff in the 1st case: 'In conclusion, I want to reiterate the point that, whilst the President is mandated to seek the advice of the Judicial Council, and consult with the Council of State in the appointment process of Supreme Court Judges with the approval of Parliament, those advisory opinions are not binding on the President.'”

From this, Dafemekpor concluded that Dr. Asiamah’s assumption of duty was legally justified, irrespective of pending approval.

“So it is clear from the above SC decision that, the appointment by Dr. Johnson Asiamah as the new BoG Governor (pending the advice from the CoS though) is a fait accompli, because the SC says any such advice is NOT BINDING ON THE PREZ.”

Dafemekpor went on to address Afenyo-Markin’s letter, saying that his suggestions were legally flawed.

“Interestingly, even though, the Hon. Afenyo-Markin says in para 7 of his odd letter to the Prez of the Republic that, the new Governor should refrain from any official engagements, yet the same man suggests that the Governor can receive briefings awaiting confirmation. Que? In what form and manner will any such briefings take? Wouldn’t it be in a meeting? And won’t such meetings be held in BoG premises?”

Concluding his remarks, Dafemekpor stated that Afenyo-Markin’s letter lacked legal merit, calling it “hot air” and an “error of law.”