“…the picture is quite messy, and if she is not careful, her integrity could be severely undermined and it will be very difficult for her to continue as commissioner; it is the nature of that institution...the least problem you get, you are in trouble; your integrity should be spotless…elsewhere you will resign whether you are guilty or not” says Kweku Baako Jnr, Editor-In-Chief of the New Crusading Guide.
The Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Ms. Lauretta Lamptey, is currently embroiled in an alleged act of extravagance and misapplication of state resources on her place of residence.
Media reports indicate that the commissioner currently stays at the Best Western Hotel where the taxpayer is being billed $450 daily on her accommodation.
Since the news broke out, scores of people have asked the Commissioner to resign, but Ms Lauretta Lamptey has rebuffed her critics' calls saying they are borne out of ignorance and a lack of understanding of the nature of her job.
Speaking to these issues during a panel discussion on Peace FM's Kokrokoo, Kweku Baako asked the CHRAJ boss to act with circumspection in her handling of the situation since it can affect her career. He mentioned that apart from undermining her integrity, the allegation if not handled properly, can also destroy the image of CHRAJ.
He called for an investigation to be carried out to ascertain the truth in the allegation so that people will not lose trust in the commission.
“It has the potential of undermining the integrity of the commission…they investigate corruption, abuse of office, conflict of interest, human rights and so on; and so you need to ensure that your integrity is clean and clear. People must have faith in the commission and so this matter needs to be handled carefully. Her reaction will not solve the problem…
…this case can destroy everything she stands for. There is the need for a thorough investigation of [the] allegation and reports. It is in her own interest as well as that of the commission. There is enough basis to trigger some form of investigation. I feel sorry for her because I think she is a very fine lady, very decent…but I see a potential casualty along the line if she does not handle this case very carefully.”
Responding to calls for her resignation, Kweku Baako said even though ‘elsewhere’ she might be forced to resign, there is the need to still conduct an investigation.
“Even if you have to remove her, you have to use an act in the constitution but before you do that you need to establish some state of misconduct and so on and that can only come after an investigation,” the seasoned journalist cautioned.
