EC Boss requesting copy of petition from Presidency curious – Eugene Arhin

The Presidency has described as ‘curious’ the decision by the beleaguered Chairperson of the Electoral Commission,(EC) Charlotte Osei to write to the President requesting for a copy of the petition for her removal.

The EC Boss, is asking the President and the Chief Justice committee probing her and her two deputies to furnish her with a copy of the petition seeking her impeachment.

She said, even though she has cooperated with the committee over the alleged issues plaguing the commission, she is yet to receive a copy of the specific allegations being made against her by her staff.

“Subsequent to my response to the allegations contained in the petition, I have heard no further from her ladyship the Chief Justice.

“ I would appreciate being furnished with a copy of the alleged petition to enable me seek the requisite legal advice. “I would also appreciate clarification as to the composition and terms of reference of the committee,” Mrs. Osei said in a letter addressed to the Chief Justice and the President.

But the Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin has said the constitution disallows the President from granting the EC Chairperson’s response, urging her to request a copy of the petition from the Chief Justice.

“It’s quite curious, but whatever be the case we certainly will be the wrong forum for her lawyers to be looking for copies of the petition. Whatever be the case, if you’re looking for copies of the petition they’re no longer with us they are with the Chief Justice. She’s even found it wise to set up a committee, so I believe the best place to get a copy of the petition is from the Chief Justice.”

The EC boss and two of her deputies Amadu Sulley (in charge of Operations), and Georgina Amankwa (in charge of Corporate Services) on Monday appeared before the Chief Justice over allegations of mismanagement and incompetence at the commission.

The two deputies have accused their boss of financial mismanagement and poor leadership, an accusation she has rejected.

Both parties have been given three weeks by the Chief Justice to file their statement of response to the committee after which the hearing will continue.

Background

Some individuals believed to be staff of the Commission in July 2017 petitioned the President to remove Mrs. Osei over alleged abuse of office, causing financial loss to the state and breaches of Ghana’s procurement laws.

The petition was subsequently forwarded to the Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo, as required by law, to establish a prima facie case based on which impeachment proceedings would commence against the EC chair.