The Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has declared his intention to lodge a formal complaint against the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Ernest Addison, and his deputies with the Office of the Special Prosecutor.

The action is in response to concerns over contracts awarded for the construction of a new central bank headquarters.

In a letter dated October 2, 2023, addressed to the Governor, Ayariga conveyed his intention to take this step due to the lack of transparency regarding the awarded contracts.

“I write to inform you that I will refer you and your deputies to the Office of the Special Prosecutor for investigation and possible prosecution. This is in relation to the matter of the award of a contract for the construction of a new head office building for the Bank of Ghana. I suspect that your team, in collusion with the contractors, overpriced the project with a possible view to obtaining personal gain. I reject your use of “national security considerations” as a reason to refuse to answer my questions properly. My decision to report you is in view of your refusal to provide a proper response to my request for information pursuant to the Right to Information Request,” Mahama said in the letter.

He expressed suspicions of overpricing the project, possibly for personal gain, and rejected the use of "national security considerations" as a reason for withholding information.

Mr Ayariga warned that he would pursue the BoG Governor until he provides clarity on the contract awards to Messrs. Goldkey Properties Limited.

He specifically questioned how a project originally priced at USD 100,857,924.48 for 73,000 sq. m. escalated to USD 121,807,851.94 in the same year and further expanded by approximately 36.9% in scope of works, resulting in a project cost increase of 84%, ultimately costing USD 222,799,760.55.

He emphasized that this inquiry was motivated by a commitment to the nation and the pursuit of a better Ghana.

“Let me assure you that we will pursue you until you come clean on how a project which you yourself had originally priced at USD100,857,924.48 for 73,000sq.m got awarded to Messrs. Goldkey Properties Limited, in the same year, at USD121,807,8517.94 and how a variation in scope of works of about 36.9% increase has led to a project cost escalation of 84% increase which has resulted in the 107,737sq.m now costing USD 222,799,760.55. This is a project priced in United States Dollars. This we do for the love of country and in pursuit of A Better Ghana,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Minority in Parliament plans to stage a demonstration on Tuesday, October 3, against the Governor. They allege that mismanagement of the central bank under his leadership has resulted in a loss of GH¢60 billion.