The Minority Caucus on Parliament’s Finance Committee has raised concerns over what it describes as a conflict of interest involving the Committee’s Chairman, Isaac Adongo, who also serves as a board member of the Bank of Ghana (BoG).
In a press statement dated May 16 and signed by the Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, Dr. Stephen Amoah, the group questioned both the legality and ethical implications of the Bolgatanga MP occupying the two roles concurrently.
Citing Standing Order 228(2) of Parliament, the caucus noted that the Finance Committee is mandated to monitor the central bank’s foreign exchange receipts and payments and report to Parliament every six months.
“The law provides that the Bank of Ghana must report to the Finance Committee. How can a board member of the same BoG chair that committee?” the statement questioned, referencing a potential breach of the principle of natural justice — nemo judex in causa sua— which means no one should be a judge in their own cause.
The statement also referenced Article 184(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which assigns oversight of foreign exchange transactions to the Finance Committee.
According to the Minority, Isaac Adongo’s dual role compromises the committee’s independence and constitutes a structural conflict of interest.
While the Minority acknowledged the financial rationale behind some of Hon. Adongo’s recent public remarks — particularly those regarding the withdrawal of foreign exchange — they stressed that his current role as a non-executive board member limits his scope of authority.
“Even if the statement is financially prudent, his prescribed responsibility as a non-executive board member is being overstepped,” the statement said.
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