President Mahama petitioned to remove Auditor General Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu

Under Article 187(13) of the 1992 Constitution, the Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA) has officially petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to begin the constitutional process of removing Auditor General Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu from office immediately.

The suit, which was filed at Accra’s Jubilee House early on Thursday, April 3, accused the Auditor General of serious crimes, malfeasance, abuse of power, and constitutional violations.

ASEPA laid out a number of complaints against Mr. Asiedu in a statement that went with the petition, provided what it refers to as proof to back up the allegations, and sent the statement to the president.

“We have presented the evidence that clearly points to these grave accusations against the Auditor General” according to ASEPA.

The charges are:

1. Failing to comply with the directives of the Supreme Court, which constitutes high crime under Article 2(4) of the 1992 Constitution. ASEPA remarked, “His failure to comply with the directives of the Supreme Court cannot be ignored; it is a breach of the Constitution.”
2. Conniving with the Audit Service Board to usurp the powers of Parliament, in violation of Article 187(15) of the Constitution. ASEPA asserted, “This action directly undermines the authority of Parliament and violates the provisions of the Constitution.”
3. Unlawful retention of public funds, in contravention of Section 17(2) of the Audit Service Act. ASEPA said, “This unlawful retention of funds is not just a breach of the law, but a betrayal of public trust.”
4. Abuse of discretionary powers and cover-up, in contravention of Article 296 of the Constitution. ASEPA stressed, “Such abuse of office is unacceptable and cannot go unchecked.”

Additionally, ASEPA noted that the procedure for dismissing the Chief Justice under Article 146 of the Constitution is identical to the procedure for dismissing the Auditor General under Article 187(13).

“The same constitutional procedures should apply here to ensure accountability,” ASEPA highlighted.

According to Article 187(13) in connection with Article 146, this petition officially starts the removal procedure.

ASEPA’s Executive Director, Mr. Mensah Thompson, signed the petition, expressing his belief that the procedure will be carried out in a transparent manner and in accordance with the Constitution.

“We are confident that this process will be handled in a transparent and constitutional manner, ensuring that justice is served” Mr Thompson said.

According to Article 187(13) in connection with Article 146, this petition officially starts the removal procedure.

ASEPA’s Executive Director, Mr. Mensah Thompson, signed the petition, expressing his belief that the procedure will be carried out in a transparent manner and in accordance with the Constitution.

“We are certain that this procedure will be conducted in an open and constitutional way, guaranteeing that justice is done,” Mr. Thompson said.

Just before his statutory retirement date of August 1, 2024, former President Akufo-Addo extended the contract of Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu in June 2024.

Following the contentious retirement of the previous Auditor-General, Daniel Yaw Domelevo, he was initially named the substantive Auditor-General by Akufo-Addo in September 2021.

Read the full statement from ASEPA below:

Press Release

3rd April, 2025

PRESIDENT MAHAMA PETITIONED FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE AUDITOR GENERAL FROM OFFICE

ASEPA has today officially petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to activate the constitutional processes under Article 187(13) of the 1992 Constitution to begin the process for the immediate removal of Auditor General Mr.Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu from office for high crime, stated misbehavior abuse of office and constitutional violations.

The petition was filed this morning at the Presidency, Jubilee House here in Accra.

Among the crime of the Auditor General and the evidences submitted to the Presidency include;
1. Failing to comply with the directives of the Supreme Court which constitutes high crime under Article 2(4) of the Constitution 1992
2. ⁠Conniving with the Audit Service Board to usurp the powers of Parliament in violation of Article 187(15).
3. ⁠Unlawful Retention of Public Funds in contravention of Section 17(2) of the Audit Service Act.
4. ⁠Abuse of Discretionary powers and cover up in contravention of Article 296 of the Constitution.

The Constitutional processes for the removal of the Auditor General from office under Article 187(13) is the same as the processes for the removal from office of the Chief Justice under Article 146.

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.

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com