Akufo-Addo, Domelevo tussle; why CSOs went to Supreme Court - CDD-Ghana

Ghana Centre for Democratic Development’s (CDD-Ghana) Kojo Asante has explained the rationale for the legal action taken by the nine Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) about the Auditor-General’s force leave.

Speaking on Angel FM’s Anɔpa Bɔfoɔ with Captain Smart, keenly monitored by Ghanas Online Mr. Addo said Ghana’s democracy must be protected to avert any future similar occurrences.

“We want the Supreme Court to make a pronouncement for the future, not today so that no future president would order the Electoral Commission, CHRAJ Boss or any officer to go on leave”, he said.

A Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have headed to the highest court of the land, Supreme Court, over the Auditor-General’s forced leave.

The coalition is challenging the legality of the action taken by President Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on June 29, 2020.

In a statement signed by the nine CSOs on Monday October 26, 2020, they indicated the President’s failure to adhere to their plea at a press conference held on July 7 has led to this action as indicated on the day.

The group expressed grave concern over the constitutional and governance implications of the President’s directive.

But President Akufo-Addo rejected the earlier request sent by the CSOs, rather, adding more days to the days directed earlier.

They believe the independence of the office of the Auditor-General has been compromised, considering the nature of the office and its role in safeguarding the nation’s democracy.