Accra:Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has emphasized the need for stronger accountability at the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), pointing to the significant financial transactions involved in its operations and reports of financial losses.
According to Ghana Web, Iddrisu believes that the legislative framework governing GoldBod should be reinforced to ensure enhanced transparency and accountability to the citizens of Ghana. He has also highlighted the importance of preventing unnecessary losses at both GoldBod and the Bank of Ghana.
Iddrisu acknowledged the reports of losses in GoldBod's operations and urged the nation to address these issues directly. He questioned whether the Gold Board and the central bank could function without incurring such losses and stressed that resolving this issue should be a national priority.
He also criticized the opposition for walking out of Parliament during the passage of the GoldBod bill, suggesting that their participation could have improved the legislation's accountability measures. Iddrisu expressed openness to proposals aimed at enhancing GoldBod's performance, indicating that President Mahama would welcome constructive suggestions for improvement.
Despite his concerns about reported losses, Iddrisu defended the government's gold interventions, arguing that they have bolstered Ghana's gold reserves and supported the local currency. He stressed that exchange rate stability is vital for businesses, aiding them in planning and reducing operational costs. His remarks underscore the importance of addressing financial performance concerns while maintaining the economic benefits derived from the government's gold-related initiatives.