EC boss runs to CJ for clarity on impeachment committee

Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Charlotte Osei, is demanding to know the composition of the Chief Justice Committee that is expected commence impeachment proceedings against her.

Mrs. Osei who faces removal from office over alleged impeachable offences has indicated her readiness to appear before the Committee to be set up by the Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo.

A petition issued in July 2017 by some unnamed staff of the EC claimed Mrs. Osei abused her office, caused financial loss to the state and breached Ghana’s procurement laws.

In accordance with the country’s constitution, they prayed President Nana Akufo-Addo to cause her removal from office.

Mrs. Osei denied the claims which she described as unfounded and accused her deputies, Amadu Sulley and Mrs Georgina Opoku-Amankwaa as masterminds of the petition.

Notwithstanding, the President forwarded the petition to the Chief Justice, Sophia Akufo, to first establish a prima facie case based on which impeachment proceedings would commence against the EC chair.

It emerged Monday thatA five-member Committee made up of three superior court judges and two ordinary citizens is to be appointed and inaugurated by the Chief Justice to commence the impeachment hearing.

But Mrs. Osei in a letter dated December 11, 2017 and addressed to the Chief Justice raised some concerns including the fact that she has not been given official copies of the petition.

“I would also appreciate clarification as to the composition and the terms of reference of the Committee,” she stated in the letter.

She suggested inasmuch as she is ready to avail herself to the impeachment proceedings, she would not compromise on her constitutional and legal rights.

“I will honour the invitation to appear at the scheduled time and the date but this is without prejudice to my constitutional and legal rights,” Mrs Osei indicated.

Meanwhile, She said she has since August 16, 2017 given a written response to the allegations as was contained in the statement and same submitted to the CJ with the relevant documents.