Interdict EC Gang of 3 – Group Petitions Akufo-Addo

By Justice Dzido On Apr 18, 2018

Embattled Electoral Commission Chair Charlotte Osei and her two Deputies, Amadu Sulley and Georgina Opoku-Amankwa, who are also being investigated by the state, must be interdicted while the probe into alleged financial malfeasance against them are ongoing, a group of four private Ghanaian citizens has petitioned the President.

According to the group, the continuous stay in office of the three, is likely to affect the investigations, hence the call for their interdiction.

The Chief Justice has set up a committee which is currently probing the three EC officials in connection with alleged abuse of power and corruption.

The group’s petition read in part: “This petition is anchored on the prima facie establishment by the Chief Justice’s committee investigating allegations of procurement and financial malfeasance against the three commissioners.

“We are of the firm belief that their continuous stay in office while there is a criminal investigation against them is not in line with best and acceptable practice, since their stay in office may affect the ongoing investigation. The petition also takes inspiration from the recent actions by your outfit where appointees of your government have been asked to step aside for smooth investigative processes to be carried out due to similar criminal allegations against them.

“Recent amongst such actions includes the suspension of the Upper West Regional Minister and the Deputy Sports Minister. Again, in the case between Mr Richard Nyamah v. Ms Lauretta Lamptey.

“Former President John Dramani Mahama suspended the CHRAJ boss pursuant to article 146(10) (b) of the Constitution after the Chief Justice committee established a prima facie against her.”

Read full petition below:

16th April 2018

TO: THE PRESIDENT
REPUBLIC OF GHANA
OUR REF.No…………..

Dear Sir,

A PETITION FOR THE INTERDICTION OF THE THREE ELECTORAL COMMISSIONERS BEFORE THE CHIEF JUSTICE COMMITTEE.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

We the undersigned are citizens of the Republic of Ghana under whose welfare the powers of government are to be exercised in the manner and within the limits laid down in this Constitution as clearly stated in article 1 of the supreme law of the Republic of Ghana, do here by submit this petition before your office in respect of article 3(4) (a) which gives every citizen the right to defend the supreme law of the Republic of Ghana.

This petition is anchored on the prima facie establishment by the chief justice committee investigating allegations of procurement and financial malfeasance against the three electoral commissioners. We are of the firm belief that, their continuous stay in office whiles there is a criminal investigation against them is not in line with best and acceptable practice since their stay in office may affect the ongoing investigation. The petition also takes inspiration from the recent actions by your outfit where appointees of your government have been asked to step aside for smooth investigative process to be carried on due to similar criminal allegation against them. Recent amongst such action includes the suspension of the Upper West regional Minister and the deputy sports minister. Again in the case between Mr Richard Nyamah v Ms Lauretta Lamptey. Former president John Dramani Mahama suspended the CHRAJ boss pursuant to article 146(10) (b) of the constitution after the chief Justice committee established a prima facie against her.

Ms Lauretta Lamptey was accordingly impeached after the committee made a recommendation to that effect. In line with article 44(2)(3) and Article 146(1)(2)(10)b),we are submitting this before you to take the necessary steps within the remit of the law to ensure that, the three commissioners are suspended accordingly to pave way for smooth investigation into their alleged criminal conduct which has brought the image of the commission into serious disrepute, contempt, ridicule, and mockery.

We are verily aware and believe same to be true that, your office will take appropriate actions in the interest of fairness and justice.

Thank You
Yours Faithfully

……..Signed……………

DAWDA ERIC (1ST PETITIONER)

PEPRAH KYEI BAFFOUR (2ND PETITIONER)

ERIC DUMENU AKATSI (3RD PETITIONER)

BOAHEN ISAAC (4TH PETITIONER)

Source: ClassFMonline