In a bold move, the Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA) has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama for the immediate removal of the Auditor General, Mr. Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu.
The petition, filed on April 3, 2025, at the Jubilee House in Accra, accused the Auditor General of high crimes, misconduct, and constitutional violations.
ASEPA’s petition is not a mere request; it is a formal appeal to activate constitutional processes under Article 187(13) of the 1992 Constitution, which outlines the procedure for the removal of the Auditor General.
The petition claimed that Asiedu’s actions have not only been improper but have violated both legal and constitutional boundaries.
This move comes as a serious call to President Mahama to act decisively in upholding the integrity of public office.
The petition laid out a list of accusations against the Auditor General, suggesting that his conduct has not only been questionable but illegal.
“Among the crimes of the Auditor General and the evidence submitted to the Presidency include: Failing to comply with the directives of the Supreme Court, which constitutes high crime under Article 2(4) of the Constitution 1992.”
Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA)
This accusation is serious, as disobedience to the Supreme Court is considered a grave offense in Ghana’s legal framework.
ASEPA also pointed to Mr. Asiedu’s actions in allegedly “conniving with the Audit Service Board to usurp the powers of Parliament in violation of Article 187(15).”
Such an act, if true, would represent a dangerous overreach of power, undermining the role of the legislature and threatening the checks and balances essential to the country’s governance.
In addition to these accusations, ASEPA claimed that the Auditor General has been involved in the “unlawful retention of public funds in contravention of Section 17(2) of the Audit Service Act.”
This alleged mismanagement of public funds raises serious questions about accountability and transparency within the country’s auditing system, especially as the role of the Auditor General is crucial for maintaining fiscal discipline in government.
Perhaps the most contentious of all allegations is the accusation of “abuse of discretionary powers and cover-up in contravention of Article 296 of the Constitution.”
If proven true, this claim would suggest a flagrant disregard for the law, potentially damaging public trust in one of the country’s most important institutions.
A Call for Accountability
For ASEPA, this petition is not simply a political maneuver—it is a fight for accountability and integrity in Ghana’s public institutions.
“This petition marks the beginning of the process as stipulated under Article 187(13) relative Article 146 and was signed by the Executive Director of ASEPA, Mr. Mensah Thompson.”
Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA)
By invoking the constitutional processes outlined for the removal of public officials such as the Auditor General, ASEPA is seeking to ensure that no individual is above the law, regardless of their position or authority.
It is worth noting that the removal process outlined in Article 187(13) mirrors the procedures for the removal of the Chief Justice under Article 146.
This makes the petition particularly significant, as it underscores the gravity of the accusations being made.
The removal of a high-ranking official like the Auditor General is not a decision to be taken lightly, but it is one that is vital for upholding the principles of justice and good governance.
The timing of ASEPA’s petition is strategic, coming as Ghana’s political landscape is already heating up with the call for accountability both from government and its agencies.
With questions surrounding the effectiveness of public institutions and the accountability of government officials, this petition has the potential to send shockwaves through the political scene.
If the allegations against the Auditor General are substantiated, it could lead to further scrutiny of public officials across the board, particularly in the lead-up to the elections.
However, the petition also brings to the forefront the question of political influence.
As such, the government must approach this issue with caution to avoid perceptions of partisanship undermining the legitimacy of the process.
At its core, ASEPA’s petition is about more than the fate of one individual. It is a call for the protection of democratic principles and the integrity of Ghana’s public offices.
Whether or not President Mahama will act on this petition remains to be seen, but the pressure is mounting.
The public expects accountability from all corners of government, and institutions like the Auditor General must be held to the highest standards of transparency and honesty.
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