Charlotte Osei EC Boss
Mrs Charlotte Osei, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) , has sued the lawyer who signed the petition of some unidentified staff of the Commission, asking President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to commence impeachment proceedings against her for stated misconduct.
The EC boss indicated few days ago, that she would proceed to court following damaging allegations of financial malfeasance against her by aggrieved employees of the EC.
Among other things, the petitioners claimed that Mrs Osei took unilateral decisions in abrogating and re-awarding contracts totalling millions of dollars.
On the issue of the endowment fund, currently being investigated by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), they said the allegations against the Deputy Commissioners and other staff had not been brought to the attention of the Commission.
Again, they claimed that Mrs Osei breached the 1992 Constitution, having been appointed as chairperson of the EC, while holding a position at the NCCE.
The petitioners also accused Mrs Osei of constituting herself into the Commission’s Tender Review Committee contrary to the Public Procurement Act, unilaterally awarding a contract of about $25,000 to a South African company, Quarzar Limited to change and redevelop the Commission’s logo under the guise of rebranding and submitting an estimate of more than GH¢1 million for the renovation of the official bungalow of the chairperson without recourse to the Commission.
However, in a response the former National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) boss said the petitioners were only seeking to defame her person.
She alleged that one of her deputies, without the knowledge and authorisation of the chairperson, between July-September 2015, signed contracts of more than GH¢40 million, saying that the action was illegal, criminal and a breach of the policies of the Commission and laws of Ghana.
According to her, in June 2017, the annual leave of the Deputy Chairpersons, Operations, was approved by the said deputy chairperson without recourse and signed on her behalf by the unnamed deputy chair.
Mrs Osei added that while on leave in June 2017, the Deputy Chairperson without authorisation and notice to her, approved the 2015 financial statements of the Commission, an increase in the amount for fuel coupons (beyond the budgeted levels) and without prior knowledge and authorisation of the chairperson of the Commission.
Meanwhile, Mr Maxwell Opoku- Agyemang, in a quick rebuttal said his clients were ready to face her in court.
“I’ll be very glad to meet them in court. If anybody suggests that there has been defamation, it will make my day.
“I am not the type of person who will be intimidated by the use of these words which would not even intimidate a fly. A petition has been sent and we will follow through the petition. We will make sure that that petition is proceeded with as required by law,” he said.
By Malik Sullemana
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