The Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA) has officially requested President John Dramani Mahama to initiate the constitutional procedure outlined in Article 187(13) of the 1992 Constitution, calling for the immediate dismissal of Auditor General Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu.
The petition was submitted on Thursday morning, April 3, at the Jubilee House in Accra, where ASEPA accused the Auditor General of serious misconduct, abuse of power, breaches of the Constitution, and high crimes.
In a statement released alongside the petition, ASEPA presented several allegations against Mr. Asiedu, backed by what they described as evidence, which was also submitted to the presidency.
ASEPA stated, “We have provided clear evidence supporting these grave accusations against the Auditor General.”
The charges leveled against Asiedu include:
- Failing to adhere to the Supreme Court’s directives, a violation of Article 2(4) of the 1992 Constitution, which ASEPA described as a serious breach.
- Collaborating with the Audit Service Board to undermine Parliament’s authority, which contravenes Article 187(15) of the Constitution. ASEPA stated, “This action directly challenges the authority of Parliament and violates constitutional provisions.”
- Illegally retaining public funds, in violation of Section 17(2) of the Audit Service Act, which ASEPA called a betrayal of public trust.
- Abuse of discretionary powers and a cover-up, in violation of Article 296 of the Constitution. ASEPA stressed, “Such abuse of office is unacceptable and must not go unchecked.”
ASEPA also noted that the constitutional procedure for removing the Auditor General under Article 187(13) mirrors the process for the removal of the Chief Justice under Article 146 of the Constitution, asserting, “The same constitutional procedures should be followed to ensure accountability.”
This petition formally begins the removal process as outlined in both Article 187(13) and Article 146 of the Constitution.
