Harare, 21 April-(ANA)-Zimbabwe’s central bank governor admitted today that he took hard currency from the bank accounts of private businesses and foreign aid groups without permission, saying he was trying to keep his country's cash-strapped ministries running.
In a statement that would be unthinkable coming from most central banks, the governor of the Reserve Bank, Gideon Gono, appeared to be issuing a plea to keep his job in the face of growing criticism.
Gono said it was time "to let bygones be bygones" now that Zimbabwe has a new coalition government dedicated to reversing its economic decline.
The central banker said he gave the money he took from the hard currency accounts as loans to various ministries, and the private accounts would be reimbursed when the ministries repaid the loans. He said the bank's efforts "sustained the country" in its hour of need..
In the last two years, Gono has slashed 25 zeros from the local currency, printed more local money without backup reserves or assets and distributed agricultural equipment to many in President Robert Mugabe's party who were given farms seized from white people.
Last year, before a unity government deal was signed in September, Mugabe reappointed Gono to a second five-year term. The party of Morgan Tsvangirai, the prime minister and former opposition leader, objected, saying the power-sharing deal gave it a say in the appointment of state posts.
Attacks on Gono have stepped up in recent days after he offered about 50 used cars to new MPs from both Mugabe's party and Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change.
Controversy over the cars has led to calls for an investigation into central bank operations, ranging from the purchase of its cutlery to businesses that Gono runs on the side.
In a statement today, Gono called on MPs to return the cars but said the offer was well-meant.(ANA)
