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.

–

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.

According to him, the manner in which the commissioners handled the 2016 polls, especially their relationship with the various political parties and the current fracas between the commissioners, puts the country’s democracy in danger should they be allowed to preside over the 2020 polls.

[contextly_sidebar id=”NF844Uh3m7HhCJzTbqUDbhMw9aSOfudq”]In a statement copied to citifmonline.com, Adams said “the decision to increase filing fees over 100% in the 2016 elections was a rubber stamp, autocratic and arrogant posture by the EC against the collective objectives of IPAC to allow a level playground for all political parties prior to the 2016 polls. The public pronouncement to disqualify the nominations of some selected political parties even before nominations were opened prior to the 2016 elections, was very immoral and unofficial on the part of the EC Chair.”

Read the full statement below:

WE CAN’T TRUST EC COMMISSIONERS AHEAD OF 2020 POLLS.

The conduct, posture and relationship amongst the EC commissioners and towards political parties prior to and after the 2016 elections could be liking to that of an Iraq – Iran war or better still the recent tension between America and North Korea. The electoral commission is the only key and sensitive institutions of state mandated by law to conduct free, fair, peaceful and transparent elections and the citizens expect nothing less, we are therefore not safe if the EC commissioners themselves are not in working harmony and in peace and also lack transparency amongst themselves at the commission.

The decision to increase filing fees over 100% in the 2016 elections was a rubber stamp, autocratic and arrogant posture by the EC against the collective objectives of IPAC to allow a level play ground for all political parties prior to the 2016 polls. The public pronouncement to disqualify the nominations of some selected political parties even before nominations were opened prior to the 2016 elections was very immoral and unofficial on the part of the EC Chair. The public acrimony, fights, accusations and insults against each other by the EC commissioners just after the 2016 polls should be enough for an impeachment!. Indeed, if impeachment is too strong in our ears, then we kindly, humbly and respectfully ask the EC Chair and her deputies to step aside to avert an impeachment!.

His statement comes to support calls by other Ghanaians who believe the three commissioners should be made to resign or be impeached due to their poor handling of the events before, during and after the December 2016 polls.

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 unnamed EC staff, are being represented by Lawyer Maxwell Opoku-Agyemang, against Mrs. Osei.

The petition against her alleged among others the funneling 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.

A prima facie case has since been established against Mr. Osei and her deputies, and a five-member committee is to be set up by Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo to probe the allegations.

Charlotte Osei hits back

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.

Charlotte Osei among others claims, accused deputy Chairperson of the Commission of illegally signing contracts worth over GHC 40 million without her approval.

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. It is an eight-paged petition ” according to the Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, who spoke to Citi News in August.

President Akufo-Addo in accordance with the constitution forwarded both petitions to the Chief Justice to look into the matter.

Suggestions are that both petitions have been consolidated to make the committee’s work easier.

–

By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post EC Boss, 2 deputies can’t be trusted for credible polls in 2020 – PNC treasurer appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

In the wake of the establishment of a prima facie case against Mrs. Osei following allegations of corruption and abuse of office leveled against her in two separate petitions, NDC Member of Parliament for Tamale North Constituency, Suhuyini Alhassan, has stated that the governing NPP is on an agenda to dismiss the former.

[contextly_sidebar id=”VfSLdlBrf65oLiCljPbfELnI4cYOGtX2″]“Some people in the opposition, when the woman was appointed, vowed and pledged and said they will move heaven and earth to frustrate her and make sure that she doesn’t work as the Electoral Commission Chair,” Mr. Alhassan had suggested.

The MP could however not mention the name of a single NPP member or official who made that statement or pledge. Some other NDC members have made similar allegations but without proof.

Speaking on Eyewitness News, the Director of Communications at the presidency, Eugene Arhin, dismissed these claims, saying the President has no interest in replacing the EC Chairperson.

“I am really surprised by the kind of posturing being put up by the leaders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Members of Parliament, and I have said this before, and I will say it again that President Nana Addo has no interest or whatsoever in who becomes the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission. It is none of our business. The most important is we have a mandate to deliver on, and that is the mandate of change the people of Ghana voted precisely for, and that is what we are focusing on. Whoever becomes head of Electoral Commission in all honesty we are not really bothered about that. All that matters is that, we move this country forward.”

Some had suggested that the President’s decision to forward the petition to Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, when he could have used his discretion, showed that he was on a deliberate mission to get Mrs. Osei removed.

Mr. Arhin in a sharp rebuttal pooh-poohed these claims, saying the “President had no discretion to exercise” in relation to this petition.

Citing more examples to support his claim, Mr. Arhin sought to find out whether former President John Dramani Mahama exercised his discretion when a petition was filed against the former CHRAJ Commissioner, saying “when a petition was sent to President Mahama with respect to Lauretta Lamptey, did the President have any discretion to exercise? Didn’t he follow the laid down procedures as stipulated by the law.”

According to him, it was impossible for President Nana Addo to simply gloss over the issue when Article 146 (3) of the constitution binds him to adhere strictly to the rules and regulations in cases of this nature.

The 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 unnamed EC staff are being represented by Lawyer Maxwell Opoku-Agyemang, against Mrs. Osei.

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.

Charlotte Osei takes on Deputies

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.

Charlotte Osei among other claims, accused deputy Chairperson of the Commission of illegally signing contracts worth over GHC 40 million without her approval.

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.

It is an eight-paged petition” according to the Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, who spoke to Citi News in August.

President Akufo-Addo in accordance with the constitution forwarded both petitions to the Chief Justice to look into the matter.

Suggestions are that both petitions have been consolidated to make the committee’s work easier.

–

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

The post Nana Addo not interested in removing EC Chair – Eugene Arhin appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The petitioner had earlier argued that, Thaddeus Sory should not be allowed to represent Charlotte Osei.

But in a U-turn, lawyer for the petitioner, Julius Opoku Agyei, said the withdrawal has become necessary because their client Maxwell Opoku Agyemang has caused another lawyer to enter appearance on his behalf in the same matter in a different court.

[contextly_sidebar id=”9wVKdHz4neyIugSx4im3UUg1C1hd3BCO”]The application for withdrawal was granted by the presiding Justice Ackaah- Boafo.

In his ruling, the judge said he was minded to grant the application because there was no rule that stops him from doing same. He further awarded cost of four thousand cedis in favour of the lawyer for the EC Chairperson.

Background

There is a petition forwarded to the Presidency from unnamed EC staff who are being led by Lawyer Maxwell Opoku-Agyemang, against Mrs. Osei, which is pending before the Chief Justice.

In the initial petition, a litany of allegations have been leveled against her, including spending GH¢3.9 million to partition an office, receipt of a Toyota Land Cruiser from the erstwhile John Mahama NDC government, spending about $14 million when the Public Procurement Authority had authorized her to use only $7.5 million, as well as attending Cabinet meetings during the tenure of the President John Mahama, among other issues.

Fresh petition

A new petition was subsequently filed for the impeachment of Charlotte Osei.

The petition was filed on August 18 2017 at the Presidency, and is demanding that a process to remove the EC boss should be commenced over alleged breaches of public procurement practices and provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2003 (Act 663), as well as gross financial mismanagement.

Unconfirmed reports say the petitioner is not an employee of the EC, but a concerned Ghanaian who wants the conduct of Mrs. Osei to be investigated on grounds of stated misbehavior and incompetence.

–

By: Fred Djabanor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Petitioner withdraws suit against Charlotte Osei’s lawyer appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The General Secretary of the party, Atik Mohammed in an interview with Citi News’ Richard Dela Sky, said the party will use every means possible to ensure that it “gets the party back into the contest.”

The EC on Monday disqualified thirteen aspirants from contesting elections due to what it described as failure by the affected aspirants to meet the necessary requirements in filling their forms.

Mahama, Nana Addo, Greenstreet, and JOY cleared for 2016 polls

The disqualification leaves only four aspirants qualified for now.

The Presidential candidates of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, Nana Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the Convention People’s Party’s Ivor Greenstreet, and Jacob Osei Yeboah [JOY], an independent candidate, are the only persons who have been qualified by the Electoral Commission, to contest this year’s presidential elections.

The Commission in a statement explained that, it disqualified the PNC because “many subscribers did not properly sign the forms. ”

It further indicated that “thumbprints, signatures or marks were omitted all together.”

According to the EC, two subscribers to Dr. Mahama’s nominations also subscribed for another presidential candidate.

Asked whether the party will legally take up the issue, Mohammed responded in the affirmative, saying the PNC will not “allow the matter to end the career of the party’s candidate and the party’s participation in the election.”

He further described the EC’s decision as unfortunate , dangerous and unhelpful.

“I think it is unfortunate. At every step, the Electoral Commission is taking a decision that is very harmful, dangerous and unhelpful”

The NDP and the APC, have also expressed their dissatisfaction with the process, and have hinted of a possible suit against the Commission.

–

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

The post You can’t end our Flagbearer’s career – PNC tells EC appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The app will reportedly be shut down in the coming weeks so that Blink’s seven-person team can work on Yahoo’s “smart communication” products.

This includes former Google employees Kevin Stephens and Michelle Norgan, who founded Meh Labs, the start-up that created Blink.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Blink made the announcement on their webiste, saying they “look forward to the possibilities that will come from bringing the Blink vision to Yahoo”.

“We built Blink because we believe everyone should be free to show the same honesty and spontaneity in their online conversations as they can in person.”

Yahoo has reportedly bought 40 start-ups since chief executive Marissa Mayer took over two years ago in an attempt to revamp the internet company.

It has been looking to generate more mobile content and advertising revenues as an increasing number of people use tablets and smartphones.

Source: BBC

The post Yahoo buys self-destructing mobile messaging app Blink appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.