Akufo-Addo's dismissal of former GEPA boss illegal – Auditor General

The Auditor General has described as "irregular” and "improper” the manner in which President Akufo Addo dismissed the Executive Secretary of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, (GEPA) Gifty Klenam.

The Auditor General reached that conclusion after a special audit at the Authority.

A memo from the Auditor General to the Ghana Export Promotion Authority warns that President Akufo Addo’s dismissal of Madam Klenam amounted to an illegality and could lead to judgment debt against the state should she decide to take up the matter in court.

“In our view, the termination of appointment by the President and not the Minister of Trade and Industry was irregular and improper since the termination was contrary to Section 3 (2) of the Ghana Export Promotion Act 1969 as quoted above. This anomaly borders on matters of legality and the associated implications thereof. This could, therefore, result in legal suit by the former Executive Secretary against the State which could lead to judgement debt being awarded against the state.

“We, therefore, urge the office of the President to ensure that the termination of the appointment of officers is done in accordance with applicable laws and regulations to ensure good corporate governance,” the memo read in part.