Business News of Thursday, 30 March 2017

Source: starrfmonline.com

Government interference in BoG 'unhealthy' – IFS

Prof. Newman Kusi,Executive Director of the Institute of Fiscal Studies Prof. Newman Kusi,Executive Director of the Institute of Fiscal Studies

The Executive Director of the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS), Prof. Newman Kusi, has called for an immediate end to political interference in the running of the Central Bank.

“Changing of governors of the Central Bank as and when there is a new government is not healthy,” he said.

His comments come in the wake of news of resignation of Dr. Abdul Nashiru Issahaku. Dr. Issahaku who was appointed on April 04, 2016 by former president John Mahama had been at post for 11 months.

Reasons for his resignation are not clear, however, sources say the International Development Economist with several years of experience in economic policy management and development, is backing out due to the change of government.

But, speaking to the State-owned Daily Graphic, the 55-year-old outgoing governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) said the Akufo-Addo government “did not force me out” and that it was a personal decision.

That notwithstanding, Prof. Kusi believed continuous government meddling in the day to day activities of the central Bank and who heads it is inimical to the country’s economy.

“It is not a healthy culture,” he said Thursday on Morning Starr, even though he was not surprised with the developing.