Source: newsthemegh.com
The accusations of procurement irregularities in the 2021 Christmas decoration purchase for the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) have been resolved by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ).
Paul Adom-Otchere, the GACL board chairman, has been exonerated by CHRAJ of all charges.
The inquiry was prompted by a petition that Sacut Amenga-Etego, a young activist with the NDC, filed. In it, she accused Adom-Otchere of breaking several laws and regulations when obtaining the Christmas decorations.
Adom-Otchere had asked for an invoice from one of the vendors in the joint names of GACL and himself, which was deemed a minor infraction of Act 663, according to the report from CHRAJ. The Commission did not, however, discover any proof to back up the claims that Adom-Otchere had broken other legal statutes or corporate governance guidelines.
According to the charges, GACL used over GHC118,000 of taxpayer funds for the Christmas trees and lights while being supervised by Adom-Otchere. Amenga-Etego requested a ruling stating that Adom-Otchere had violated several sections of the Public Financial Management Law, the Public Procurement Law, and corporate governance guidelines.
In addition, he asked that GACL surcharge Adom-Otchere and that CHRAJ forward its conclusions to the proper authorities so that they may be prosecuted.
Adom-Otchere’s only engagement in the Christmas decorations purchase, according to CHRAJ’s findings, was asking one of the vendors for an invoice. The management handled the majority of the decoration procurement, the study said.
Even though it was thought to be a breach, it was not serious. Additionally, Adom-Otchere was cautioned by CHRAJ not to meddle in the management’s activities and to strictly adhere to his duties as Board Chairman, citing his media appearances regarding the procurement as a breach of several corporate governance laws.
In its closing remarks, the Commission emphasized the value of sound corporate governance and the requirement that those holding such positions fulfill their assigned duties.
Paul Adom-Otchere is relieved by CHRAJ’s judgment because he is no longer implicated in the scandal and can carry on with his responsibilities as GACL’s board chairman.