By Grace Zigah
The credibility of Professor Ebo Turkson, a member of the Bank of Ghana’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), has come under scrutiny amid debates over his appointments and public statements.
Professor Turkson, an academic from the University of Ghana, was appointed to the MPC during the administration of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, a move that has drawn criticism from certain quarters within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Critics argue that Professor Turkson had limited visible engagement with the NPP prior to the 2016 elections, unlike other academics with comparable or stronger credentials who actively supported the party.
His subsequent appointment to a sensitive economic position has raised questions about the criteria for such selections.
Some party insiders have described him as being aligned with interests outside the NPP, pointing to public remarks he made during an NPP-organized forum at the University of Ghana, which were interpreted as critical of government policies at the time.
Professor Turkson has recently attracted attention for his comments regarding Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) purchases.
He reportedly suggested that an increase in purchases from 63 tonnes in 2024 to 103 tonnes in 2025 could indicate prior-year smuggling.
Critics contend that his reasoning oversimplifies the complexities of gold trading and undermines confidence in the logic expected from someone of his professional standing.
They argue that attributing differences in yearly purchases directly to smuggling could misrepresent the actual dynamics of the gold market.
Further fueling debate, some observers note that Professor Turkson has been vocal in defending positions associated with the government, particularly concerning GoldBod operations.
This has led to internal discussions within the NPP about the alignment of certain appointments with the party’s long-term interests and the balance between technical expertise and perceived political loyalty.
P.K. Sarpong, an NPP activist, emphasized in commentary on party matters that future administrations should carefully consider appointments to strategic economic roles to ensure both professional merit and demonstrated commitment to party objectives.
