The Chief Justice, Georgina Theodora Woode has concluded that “a prima facie case has been made to justify full investigations into the complaints” against the Commissioner of the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Lauretta Lamptey.
[contextly_sidebar id=”8c6J1le9qcMDxLWt1vageERTI3D6n6Ni”]This was revealed in a statement by Richard Nyamah of the Progressive Nationalist Forum (PNF), one of the people who petitioned President John Mahama asking for the removal the CHRAJ boss.
This means on the first determination or investigation into the matter, the CHRAJ boss is guilty of the accusations unless there is a contrary proof.
The statement said lawyers for Mr. Nyamah received the official response from the office of the Chief Justice on Tuesday, December 2, 2014.
A 24-page report containing the decision noted that the petition grounded on “… acts of serious misconduct, inappropriate exercise of office, serious misjudgement, breaches of laws and public trust” together with its accompanying exhibits as well as a response provided by Ms. Lauretta Vivian Lamptey have been carefully examined by the Chief Justice acting in her administrative capacity as she is constitutionally mandated.
It concludes that “… a prima facie case has been made to justify full investigations into the complaints….”
While duly recognising that this finding is not conclusive of guilt, it is gratifying to cross this critical hurdle in the impeachment process.
It also added that “… a prima facie case has been made to justify full investigations into the complaints….”
Richard Nyamah and a Member of Parliament for Nsawam, Frank Annor Dompreh petitioned the president to impeach Madam Lauretta Lamptey after reports of rent expenses became public.
Lauretta Lamptey spent over $200, 000 as rent for her accommodation at the AU village in Accra while her official residence was under renovation.
The Commission also spent over $180, 000 on the renovation and was paying for her stay in a $450 a day hotel.
The revelations ignited public outrage with many calling for her immediate dismissal.
The President referred the petitions to the Chief Justice who is mandated by the constitution to begin investigations and begin impeachment processes if Lauretta Lamptey is found culpable.
The statement said a committee will soon be set up to begin investigations into the complaints made against Madam Lamptey.
By: Nana Ama Agyeman Asante/citifmonline.com/Ghana