The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has dismissed an appeal filed by the Electoral Commission (EC), paving the way for a full investigation into alleged irregularities in the procurement and disposal of high-value biometric equipment.
The EC’s appeal sought to stop a petition submitted by policy think tank IMANI Africa in May 2024, arguing that CHRAJ lacked the jurisdiction to investigate the matter.
However, CHRAJ’s ruling upheld its constitutional mandate to promote accountability in public administration, effectively rejecting the EC’s objection.
IMANI’s petition accuses the EC of financial and administrative misconduct in the management of biometric systems reportedly worth tens of millions of dollars.
The allegations include reckless financial management, abuse of power and discretion, and possible conflicts of interest in the acquisition, retirement, and disposal of the devices.
In its petition, IMANI stated that “every aspect of the procurement, retirement, and disposal process (including the purported auction) was highly flawed and tainted by gross maladministration, abuse of power and discretion, and financial loss amounting to tens of millions of dollars.”
The ruling is considered a significant victory for IMANI, which has consistently advocated for transparency and accountability within the EC since 2020.
The think tank explained that the EC’s continued “failure to engage with IMANI or provide information” compelled it to seek CHRAJ’s intervention.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, the EC filed its legal objection nearly a year after the petition was lodged. IMANI responded with a detailed rebuttal, supported by documentary evidence, highlighting “the gravity of the matters” before CHRAJ.
Following the ruling, CHRAJ has directed the EC to fully cooperate with its investigation, shifting the process from procedural objections to a substantive probe into the management and disposal of Ghana’s electoral assets.
Source: Adomonline
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