The Bank of Ghana has disclosed that a total of $48 million has been paid in taxes and levies in the construction of the new headquarters for the central bank.
Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama disclosed this when he appeared before the Committee of the Whole in Parliament on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
He was summoned to appear to answer questions relating to the cost of the project.
In his submission, he told the House that the total cost of the project was $261.8 million.
Dr. Asiama said as of February 2025, a total of approximately $230 million has been paid towards the project with an outstanding balance of $31.8 million to be paid to the contract.
He added that beyond the core building, separate contracts were awarded for other infrastructure, and these include ICT systems and network infrastructure, which was awarded at a cost of $8.6 million; integrated systems, which was also awarded at a cost of $15.5 million; and furniture and furnishing, costing $11.1 million.
About the BoG headquarters
The Bank Square spans a sprawling 150,000 square metres and features seven interconnected structures. It accommodates 2,500 staff members.Key highlights of the headquarters include:
– The Tower: A 22-storey visual icon housing the majority of office spaces, meeting rooms, and a banking hall. It also includes prayer rooms for both Muslim and Christian staff.
– The Urban Block: A nine-storey structure focused on work-life balance, offering corporate offices, wellness areas, cafeterias, lecture rooms, computer labs, and a medical centre.
– The Amenity Pavilion: A six-storey building with a currency museum, conference centres, press rooms, and a rooftop terrace.
– The Podium: A five-storey connector building with multi-level parking and rooftop green spaces.
– The Grand Pavilion: A grand entrance featuring a staircase of 41 steps, blending architectural elegance with functionality.
Other eco-friendly elements include:
– Solar canopies and energy-efficient lighting systems.
– UV-protected glass facades and natural self-cleaning stones.
– Rainwater harvesting and advanced wastewater treatment facilities.
The facility was designed to meet Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) standards, reflecting its commitment to sustainability.
By: Rashid Obodai Provencal/Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
