Opinions of Friday, 31 May 2024

Columnist: Chris-Vincent Agyapong

Would Charles Adu Boahen return to mainstream politics after his exoneration?

Charles Adu Boahen, former Minister of State for Finance Charles Adu Boahen, former Minister of State for Finance

Late last year, Charles Adu Boahen, a former Minister of State for Finance was unsurprisingly cleared of any corruption or corruption-related offenses by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP)—after a thorough investigation into corruption allegations raised by Tiger Eye PI’s exposé, Galamsey Economy, in November 2022.

Between the time of the Tiger Eye PI’s exposé and the conclusion of OSP’s investigation, Adu Boahen’s reputation was gravely smeared and tried in the court of public opinion. This was made worse by the main opposition political party-NDC which capitalized on the allegation for its political propaganda against the government.

As it works within the political world, the seriousness of the allegation at the time led to Charles Adu Boahen losing his job in government.

More than 6 months after the OSP exoneration of Charles Adu Boahen, there has not been a political comeback and it remains unknown if the once rising political star would ever return to mainstream politics.

Charles Adu Boahen has over 20 years’ experience in Finance, specializing in Corporate Finance, Investment Banking, Asset Management, Private Equity. Considering the current economic climate of Ghana, it can be argued that Charles Adu Boahen’s rich experience and knowledge are more required than ever.

There is no doubt he commands brilliance in Finance and related matters, but would the next Bawumia government overlook the failed smear attempt and sought his expertise to help deal with Ghana’s growing economic crisis? And would he, having tasted an obvious wrongful dismissal and humiliation, want to return to mainstream politics?

Charles Adu Boahen had his BSc in Chemical Engineering from the University of Southern California. He also holds MBA from the Harvard Business School. Prior to his appointment as a Deputy Minister for Finance, Charles was the CEO of Black Star Advisors (BSA), a boutique investment bank and asset management firm, and Primrose Properties Ghana (PPG), a real estate development company, both of which he founded in 2007.

Prior to that, Charles Adu Boahen was a Director and Regional Head of Corporate and Investment Banking for Standard Bank of South Africa. He was the Vice President for JP Morgan for over five years and Head of Investment Banking for Sub-Saharan Africa.