Alliance for Accountable Governance, AFAG, a pro-NPP Pressure Group is demanding the suspension of Electoral Commission Chair, Charlotte Osei, and her two deputies, Amadu Sulley, and Georgina Opoku-Amankwah, awaiting the conclusion of investigations into allegations of financial malfeasance and misconduct.
According to AFAG, if Charlotte Osei and her deputies continue to be at post, they could endanger the investigations.
Speaking at a news conference, the Vice Chairman of AFAG, Henry Asante, asked President Akufo Addo to direct the three officers to proceed on leave.
“The workers of Electoral Commission, some of them took it upon themselves based on certain things that they learnt the woman has done together with the Commissioners and petitioned the presidency. You know how difficult it is to complain about your boss to a higher authority, but they braved it, and a prima facie case has been established against them, so the question is, why are they still in office?â€
“AFAG had long expected the President to act and spare the Electoral Commission from damages in credibility. We are not saying she’s done it, but in the rule of natural justice, we must all admit that anybody alleged to have gotten involved in any act of misconduct must give way for fair trial or justice to take place because you might impede with evidence if you continue to hold office.â€
Petition against Charlotte Osei
In July 2017, some unknown staff of the EC petitioned President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to remove Mrs Osei from office over allegations of fraud and financial malfeasance as well as abuse of office.
Other allegation levelled against Charlotte Osei included the unilateral award of contracts by the EC boss in the run-up to the 2016 general election.
The petition against her, also alleged among others the directing of GH¢3.9 million to partition an office, the receipt of a Toyota Land Cruiser from the Mahama government, and the use of about $14 million when the Public Procurement Authority had authorized her to use only $7.5 million.
President Akufo-Addo in accordance with the constitution forwarded both petitions to the Chief Justice to look into the matter.
Eventually, a statement issued by the Judicial Secretary December 2017 said, “there was a prima facie case against Charlotte Osei and her two deputies †Consequent to that, the statement said the Chief Justice has set up the five-member Committee to commence impeachment hearing against the three commissioners.
It, however, failed to name members of the Committee, which it said, would be presided over by a Supreme Court judge.
“The Committee, which will sit in camera, in line with normal practices, consists of three justices of the Superior Court appointed by the Judicial Council and two other persons appointed by the Chief Justice on the advice of the Council of State,†the statement said.
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primenewsghana.com/Ghana News
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