Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has called for proper recognition of former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia for his role in initiating Ghana’s Gold-for-Reserve policy.
Speaking during parliamentary discussions on economic management, Afenyo-Markin stated that credit for the policy should be fairly assigned, insisting that Dr. Bawumia played a central role in conceptualising and promoting the initiative while in office.
The Gold-for-Reserve policy was introduced as part of efforts to strengthen Ghana’s foreign exchange reserves and stabilise the local currency by increasing the Bank of Ghana‘s gold holdings.
The programme sought to leverage the country’s gold resources to reduce reliance on foreign currencies for certain transactions.
According to Afenyo-Markin, political differences should not prevent acknowledgment of contributions made in the national interest. “We must give to Bawumia what belongs to him,” he said, arguing that sound economic initiatives deserve bipartisan recognition.
He maintained that institutional memory and policy continuity are essential for national development and urged current managers of the economy to build on existing frameworks rather than downplay past contributions.
The remarks are expected to further fuel political debate over economic policy ownership and the impact of the Gold-for-Reserve programme on Ghana’s macroeconomic stability.
