Minority Leader in Parliament and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has vehemently rejected allegations questioning his role in demanding accountability for losses associated with the Bank of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP), labeling them “false and defamatory.” Mr. Markin stated this on Saturday, August 22nd, during a social media post, asserting that the controversy surrounding the programme should not overshadow the substantive financial questions raised by the Minority, particularly concerning the reported US$1.7 billion loss under the programme in 2025 and the role of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) in the transactions. This declaration comes amidst a period of sustained personal attacks directed at him, according to his statement, which includes accusations of attempting to cast doubt on his motives for scrutinizing the programme’s financial implications. Mr. Markin emphasized his duty as Minority Leader in Parliament to oversee public institutions and demand explanations where questions arise concerning the use and management of public resources. He reiterated that his questions were not driven by personal interests or any improper agenda, asserting that his actions were guided solely by his constitutional responsibility to ensure parliamentary oversight. The comments follow a public exchange between Mr. Markin and Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi, following the Minority’s concerns about the reported loss under the DGPP. The dispute centers on the interpretation of the reported US$1.7 billion loss and the extent of GoldBod’s involvement in the transactions. The IMF has also raised concerns about losses associated with the BoG’s domestic gold purchasing operations, prompting renewed scrutiny and questions about the programme’s financial implications. GoldBod, a central player in Ghana’s gold purchasing and aggregation arrangements, has recently been the subject of scrutiny regarding its role in the transactions and the extent of the reported losses that should be attributed to it. Mr. Markin acknowledged that public officials and institutions subjected to oversight could resist questioning, yet maintained that such resistance should not undermine Parliament’s role in ensuring accountability. He added: “I recognise that, in public life, those who are uncomfortable with legitimate scrutiny may push back.” He further stated: “In some cases, they may resort to false allegations, personal attacks, and ridicule in an effort to shift attention from the substantive issues and make the person asking the questions the subject of controversy.” The Minority has consistently maintained that the reported loss warrants closer examination to establish the precise events that occurred, the institutions involved, and the financial ramifications for the state. The development has also revived broader questions about the government’s gold purchasing strategy and the mechanisms employed to manage the transactions. The IMF has voiced concerns about the potential for losses associated with the BoG’s domestic gold purchasing operations, prompting a renewed focus on the programme’s financial risk and the need for effective oversight. The situation highlights a potential vulnerability in the government’s gold purchasing framework and underscores the importance of robust financial monitoring.””, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Source: MyJoyOnline
