Mahama must act on petition against CHRAJ boss – Law lecturer

A Law lecturer at the University of Ghana, Legon, Dr Poku Adusei has said President John Mahama has no option but to act on the petition requesting him to begin the process to remove the CHRAJ boss, Lauretta Vivian Lamptey from office.

The MP for Nsawam Adoagyiri, Frank Ano Dompreh has officially petitioned the president to activate the process towards the dismissal of Lamptey over financial misappropriation.

The head of the anti-graft body is embroiled in a controversy over her official accommodation. Ms Lamptey is reported to have within 37 months – from July 2011 when she was appointed to July 2014 when her rent at the AU Village expired – spent US$203,500 on rent and utilities, at the expense of the State.

She is currently lodging at a hotel and paying the Cedi equivalent of $456.25 per day, in the interim, as her official residence, which was inhabited by her predecessor, Emile Short, undergoes renovation at a cost of Ghc182, 000.

Speaking to Citi FM, Dr Adusei said the President is compelled by law to act on the petition to remove the CHRAJ boss.

“Per the constitution the president cannot determine whether he wants to act on the petition or not. The president in this instance is only a conduit. The Chief Justice will decide whether the case must move forward or not” he stated.

He however, noted that media reports may not be enough grounds to remove the CHRAJ boss unless they backed by an audit by the Auditor General.