AFAG’s Vice President, Henry Asante, who made the call at a news conference in Accra, said the continuous stay of the officers could jeopardize ongoing investigations into allegations of malfeasance leveled against them.

[contextly_sidebar id=”bdR0aAHc68VnAvx1t33ycxKjogTSQ9ot”]He therefore asked President Akufo Addo to direct the three officers to proceed on leave.

However, Mr. Kpebu in a rebuttal explained that AFAG cannot make such demands, given that “it is not a party to the proceedings.”

Mr. Kpebu was however quick to add that, petitioners who called for the three EC officials’ removal could file an application for their interdiction if their actions interfere with ongoing investigations, adding that the onus would subsequently lie on the Judicial Council to either grant or reject the application.

“It’s something that will be made or must be made by the petitioners if they have grounds to fear that the respondents, that is the Commissioner and the other Deputy Chairpersons, can interfere with the transfers by castrating their efforts at getting evidence from the EC offices.

“Basically, it is a right conferred on the petitioners. When I say right, what I mean is that, it is their right to make their application, but as to whether their application will be granted or not will depend on the advice of the Judicial Council. When they make that request, it will be looked at by the panel, actually, the Judicial Council, then they will advise the President. Looking at the law, to the extent that AFAG is not a party to the proceedings, that request [interdiction] or application cannot properly come from them,” the lawyer explained on Eyewitness News.

Petitions

Some staff of the EC petitioned President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in July 2017, to remove Mrs. Osei from office over allegations of fraud and financial malfeasance as well as abuse of office.

Some of the allegations involved the unilateral award of contracts by the EC boss in the run-up to the 2016 general election.

The petition against her, alleged among others the funnelling of GH¢3.9 million to partition an office, the receipt of a Toyota Land Cruiser from the Mahama government, and the use of about $14 million when the Public Procurement Authority had authorized her to use only $7.5 million.

Amadu Sulley ‘illegally’ took GHC 6m from parties – Charlotte Osei

Mrs. Osei also responded by making allegations of corruption against her deputies, claiming that she was only being hounded because she sought to introduce systems to curb misuse and mismanagement of resources.

Fresh impeachment against EC Chair

Subsequently, another individual by name Douglas Seidu, a concerned Ghanaian, also petitioned the President in August 2017, seeking the removal of the EC Chair, on grounds of “financial misconduct, incompetence, conflict of interest, breaches of the public procurement processes, amongst others.

President Akufo-Addo in accordance with the constitution forwarded both petitions to the Chief Justice to look into the matter, the outcome of which is now a Committee to investigate the three.

Charlotte Osei could remain in office during corruption probe – Lawyer

Meanwhile, a private legal practitioner, Yaw Oppong, had suggested to Citi News that, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Charlotte Osei, could remain in her position while a probe is conducted into alleged acts of malfeasance by her and two deputies at the Commission.

The Chief Justice and the Judicial Council, may recommend to the President of the Republic, the suspension of the EC Chair from her position, to enable her undergo the hearing.

However, according to Yaw Oppong, unless it is established that her continued stay in office would compromise the investigations, Charlotte Osei could be allowed to remain in her position while she and her deputies are probed.

“In my view, unless it can be seen that the person who is the subject of such an investigation is capable of interfering with the investigation process in terms of suspected cases of concealment of documentary or other forms of information, otherwise I think those persons can still occupy their position,” he said on Eyewitness News.

Yaw Oppong added that, even if the President accepts the recommendation of the Judicial Council and suspends the EC Chair, he could, at any time, reinstate her should he feel the need to do so.

“If the President is of the view that any useful purpose will be served by the person who is the subject of this investigation stepping aside or being suspended in the meantime [he can do so]. But at the same time, Clause 11 says that the President may at any time revoke the suspension under this Article. Perhaps it may be used, but if any purpose may be served by the person being brought back to the position, the President has the power to do so,” he explained.

President not bound by recommendations

Yaw Oppong also suggested that, the President may not be compelled to implement the recommendations of the Judicial Council should they call for the suspension of Charlotte Osei.

Citing a similar case in which the Supreme Court ruled that the President was not bound by the advice of the Council of State, Yaw Oppong stated that, it was however vital that the President is seen to have sought the advice of the Judicial Council on the issue, as stated by the Constitution.

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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @EfeAnsah

The post AFAG’s call for EC officials’ suspension misplaced – Lawyer appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The group said the continuous stay of the officers at post could jeopardize the investigations.

[contextly_sidebar id=”G2hfhnCuLEQ5Cb0BW2WH505fIMHt3abd”]Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo set up a five member committee to probe the allegations, after a prima facie case was established against them based on petitions received.

The Vice Chairman of AFAG, Henry Asante at a news conference in Accra, asked President Akufo Addo to direct the three officers to proceed on leave.

“The workers of Electoral Commission, some of them took it upon themselves based on certain things that they learnt the woman has done together with the Commissioners, and petitioned the presidency. You know how difficult it is to complain about your boss to a higher authority, but they braved it, and a prima facie case has been established against them, so the question is, why are they still in office?”

“AFAG had long expected the President to act and spare the Electoral Commission from damages in credibility. We are not saying she’s done it, but in the rule of natural justice, we must all admit that anybody alleged to have gotten involved in any act of misconduct must give way for fair trial or justice to take place because you might impede with evidence if you continue to hold office.”

Petitions

Some staff of the EC petitioned President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in July 2017, to remove Mrs. Osei from office over allegations of fraud and financial malfeasance as well as abuse of office.

Some of the allegations involved the unilateral award of contracts by the EC boss in the run-up to the 2016 general election.

The petition against her, alleged among others the funnelling of GH¢3.9 million to partition an office, the receipt of a Toyota Land Cruiser from the Mahama government, and the use of about $14 million when the Public Procurement Authority had authorized her to use only $7.5 million.

Amadu Sulley ‘illegally’ took GHC 6m from parties – Charlotte Osei

Mrs. Osei also responded by making allegations of corruption against her deputies, claiming that she was only being hounded because she sought to introduce systems to curb misuse and mismanagement of resources.

Fresh impeachment against EC Chair

Subsequently, another individual by name Douglas Seidu, a concerned Ghanaian, also petitioned the President in August 2017, seeking the removal of the EC Chair, on grounds of “financial misconduct, incompetence, conflict of interest, breaches of the public procurement processes, amongst others.

President Akufo-Addo in accordance with the constitution forwarded both petitions to the Chief Justice to look into the matter, the outcome of which is now a Committee to investigate the three.

Charlotte Osei could remain in office during corruption probe – Lawyer

Meanwhile, a private legal practitioner, Yaw Oppong, had suggested to Citi News that, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Charlotte Osei, could remain in her position while a probe is conducted into alleged acts of malfeasance by her and two deputies at the Commission.

The Chief Justice and the Judicial Council, may recommend to the President of the Republic, the suspension of the EC Chair from her position, to enable her undergo the hearing.

However, according to Yaw Oppong, unless it is established that her continued stay in office would compromise the investigations, Charlotte Osei could be allowed to remain in her position while she and her deputies are probed.

“In my view, unless it can be seen that the person who is the subject of such an investigation is capable of interfering with the investigation process in terms of suspected cases of concealment of documentary or other forms of information, otherwise I think those persons can still occupy their position,” he said on Eyewitness News.

Yaw Oppong added that, even if the President accepts the recommendation of the Judicial Council and suspends the EC Chair, he could, at any time, reinstate her should he feel the need to do so.

“If the President is of the view that any useful purpose will be served by the person who is the subject of this investigation stepping aside or being suspended in the meantime [he can do so]. But at the same time, Clause 11 says that the President may at any time revoke the suspension under this Article. Perhaps it may be used, but if any purpose may be served by the person being brought back to the position, the President has the power to do so,” he explained.

President not bound by recommendations 

Yaw Oppong also suggested that, the President may not be compelled to implement the recommendations of the Judicial Council should they call for the suspension of Charlotte Osei.

Citing a similar case in which the Supreme Court ruled that the President was not bound by the advice of the Council of State,  Yaw Oppong stated that, it was however vital that the President is seen to have sought the advice of the Judicial Council on the issue, as stated by the Constitution.

“It doesn’t appear that the President may be bound by the advice [of the Judicial Council]. What it really means is that, there should be evidence that the President at least sought the advise of the Judicial Council. And I think that any prudent President, and so far we’ve had prudent presidents, will act on the advise of the Judicial Council,” he said.

“Unless that president may want to also violate the Constitution, which, so far our President has done well not to.  He’s complied essentially with the provisions that have come up for compliance.”

–

By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @EfeAnsah

The post Order Charlotte Osei, 2 deputies to step aside – AFAG appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Pro-NPP Pressure group, Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG), has described as “needless” the decision by the Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo, to set up special courts to prosecute persons who refuse to pay the mandatory TV license.

According to the group, it was surprising that Ghana had embraced the move to fine or jail persons who default in the payment of the fees when most countries were gradually moving towards abolishing the fees.

In a release copied to citifmonline.com, AFAG said, “Ghanaians will not be bullied into paying this fee” adding that AFAG will resist any attempt to surcharge smartphone users with TV license fees.”

It said it remained resolute in its position that the demand for TV license from Ghanaians was wrong and must not be pursued by the government.

“AFAG is totally opposed to a TV license regime from an obsolete Television licensing ACT 1966 (NLCD)” the statement noted.

New Patriotic Party member and former Danquah Institute Director, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko has also kicked against the use of courts to ensure payment of the fees, although he approves of the need to pay the fees.

Read the full statement below:

Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG) has learnt with mirth a move by the Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo to set up a special TV License Court to deal with people who refuse to pay the mandatory TV license.

In an era where countries across the world are either abolishing the TV license fees in countries like Finland and Iceland, or reducing it considerably (Poland, Germany) because of a high evasion rate.

Others such as China, Uganda, Canada, India, Australia, USA, Brazil and Russia are countries with no TV license fees. it is interesting to know that Ghana would rather criminalize her citizens over a system that is being abandoned all over the world.

The UK model, which the Ghanaian system is modelled after, is completely different.

This is because, unlike the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation which generates income from commercial activities like advertisements and announcements and also receives yearly subvention from the government, the local public broadcaster in the UK doesn’t have advertising or subscription as part of its funding mix.

AFAG’s position on the compulsory TV license remains unchanged.

We continue to maintain that Ghanaians will not be bullied into paying this fee.

The world is at a stage where the speed of broadband is going up, and ownership of devices connected to the internet has increased, with people at home possibly watching live TV on devices other than the TV, would they also be billed with a license fee? we hope not.

In the unlikely event, any attempt to charge users on mobile phone for using their devices to watch TV will also be resisted.

This TV license policy has been on the drawing board since 3 years ago.

AFAG opposed attempts to introduce it in 2015. We will oppose it on any day and indeed not now.

It is expected that revenue will be shared in percentage terms among Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), 72%, Ghana Independent Broadcasting Association (GIBA), 15%, National Media Commission (NMC), 4%, Media Development Fund, 4%, Films Fund, 2% and Management of TV Licence Fee (GBC), 3%.

Obviously, the state broadcaster is the target.

AFAG however proposed that, the ministry of information holds a stakeholder forum involving Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), National Media Commission (NMC), the Independent broadcasters association including CSOs and the ministry of finance to draw a road-map on how to charge the consolidated fund for media development.

This fund may be applied to sponsor or support media (television/radio/print/electronic) houses whose specific program promotes Ghanaian values or target minority groups development. It’s a matter of priority!

Be it as it may, we expect the government to explore ways of resourcing the state broadcaster either wholly by the state as stated earlier or through all forms of public-private partnerships as we move GBC to a very independent status.

The government may also consider a private management of GBC.

GBC is endowed with land mass, infrastructure, human resources, logistics and wide coverage of its network. Why is GBC struggling financially? Mr. President if the daily graphic among its competitors remains autonomous and self-funding, then GBC can copy same in the midst of competition.

Otherwise, we blame its poor state on management and the lack of clarity for resource allocation from the state or through an appropriate funding mix involving the private sector.

AFAG is totally opposed to a TV license regime from an obsolete Television licensing ACT 1966 (NLCD).

How much is the TV license fee?

The post AFAG kicks against compulsory TV license fees appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The Minority on Wednesday boycotted sittings by the Committee, following concerns that they were being overstretched.

[contextly_sidebar id=”Ao5P7AfUixCIvANXUlwB6xFQsT6BfFJO”]But AFAG believes the Minority’s move smacks of hypocrisy and poor attitude to work.

Speaking to Citi News, the Deputy General Secretary of AFAG, Winston Owusu, said the Minority’s action is not in the best interest of Ghana.

“If you look at the issue at hand, you will realize that the attitude of the Minority is gradually becoming something of a lazy approach to the work of Parliament. The reason why we are describing them in this way is because this is not the first time that Parliament is sitting beyond a certain period. Even if we extend the argument further, you will realize that on several occasions, Parliament had been recalled while they were even on vacation, to sign some documents that will push the work of parliamentary proceedings, and so for them to want to use this excuse now is unfortunate.”

“They are rendering this service to their constituents and by extension the people of Ghana, and so it is not in any proper decision for them to say that they are boycotting the sitting.”

The Majority side who are not enthused with the reasons given by the Minority for the boycott, have described the move as hypocritical.

The Majority leader, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, who said this, argued that the Minority members still participate in other meetings of the House and therefore he finds it strange why it has decided to stay out of the Appointments Committee’s sittings.

“The only thing they are abstaining from is the Appointments Committee business. Other committee meetings they are participating in, and plenary business, they are participating in. Is that not hypocrisy? Who said the rest of them in the Chamber are not tired. Because today in plenary they participated in proceedings… That is the issue that we should ask.”

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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Minority boycott a sign of laziness – AFAG appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

According to him, such appointments will help the young ones to be nurtured and their skills utilized for the development of the country.

“AFAG wants to urge the President-Elect and the appointing authority to look within the pool of the NPP to ensure that young people of excellent standard and virtue who form a sizeable number of the human resource at the nation’s disposal are identified nurtured,” AFAG said in a statement.

[contextly_sidebar id=”s9ZCDhvYy5fHZdKlc2fuyU7ECrXER8G6″]The statement comes on the back of administrative staff announced by Akufo-Addo on Wednesday.

About four persons considered to be very youthful made it into Akufo-Addo’s list of 13 appointments he made including Francis Asenso-Boakye and Samuel Abu Jinapor, both Deputy Chiefs of Staff,  Eugene Arhin, Director of Communications at the Presidency and Clara Napaga Sulemana Tia, a Presidential Staffer.

He also named Akosua Frema Osei-Opare as his Chief of Staff.

AFAG in the statement said it is impressed and content with the new appointees.

“AFAG is content with the quality of appointments made so far by President-Elect, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. As an institution that cherishes good governance, we are impressed with the brilliant men and women of substance that would be manning the office of the president.”

“The appointment of the first female Chief of Staff is laudable and it deserves commendation of the highest esteem. Also, the inclusion of vibrant and result orientated youth who distinguished themselves in service to the nation should also be celebrated. These sharp young minds must be properly nurtured by the best senior citizens to ensure the continuity of the moral fibre of our Ghanaian society,” AFAG added.

Ofosu-Kwakye questions Nana Addo’s appointment of young people

Meanwhile, the outgoing Deputy Minister of Communications, Felix Ofosu-Kwakye, has questioned the rationale for the appointment of young persons in Nana Akufo-Addo’s government, considering that he and his young colleagues were heavily criticized by the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

According to him, when President John Mahama and late President John Mills took the same decision, they were condemned by the NPP.

“It is unfortunate that when President Mills and President Mahama gave opportunities to young persons to contribute to national development persons in the opposition and some surrogates of theirs sought to bastardize them and did not allow them the opportunity to make that contribution. Here we are the President-elect has appointed at least three people within their circles to serve in his government and the same people who derided others appointed by President Mills and President Mahama are now falling over themselves to uphold the image and integrity of these young men,” he noted.

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By: Godwin A. Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @AlloteyGodwin

The post Appoint more youth – AFAG to Nana Addo appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.