By Daily Democrat
The Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeyo Agyeman Badu, who also serves as the President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, has raised concerns over the timing of the Bank of Ghana’s $250 million headquarters project. Speaking at the 2023 First General Meeting of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs in Sunyani, Mr. Badu expressed his disappointment and highlighted the inappropriate timing of such a project, considering the current economic challenges faced by Ghana.
During his address, Mr. Badu called upon President Akufo Addo to prioritize investments that would yield more tangible benefits, particularly in terms of job creation for the youth. He emphasized the need to allocate resources towards projects that would address the pressing issue of unemployment among the country’s young population.
The Dormaahene’s concerns resonate with the broader public sentiment, as many Ghanaians have criticized the Bank of Ghana’s decision to allocate a substantial sum for the construction of a new headquarters in Accra. The criticism centres around the allocation of $250 million for a building project at a time when the nation is grappling with economic challenges.
The Bono Regional House of Chiefs’ First General Meeting, held annually in the first quarter, serves as a platform for reviewing the previous year’s activities and planning for the year ahead. However, this year’s meeting has been dominated by discussions surrounding the Bank of Ghana’s headquarters project and its potential implications on the country’s economic recovery efforts.
Osagyefo Oseadeyo Agyeman Badu urged President Akufo Addo to intervene and reconsider the allocation of funds for the headquarters project, given the immediate need to address unemployment and support the youth population. His appeal to redirect resources towards projects with more direct socio-economic impact highlights the broader concern over responsible financial decisions during challenging economic times.
As the national debate continues, the call for prudent financial management and prioritization of projects that directly benefit the citizens remains a central focus, with the hope that decisions made will align with the best interests of the country’s future.