The Dean of Studies and Research at the Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS) has faulted the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for attempting to forcibly remove Deputy Electoral Commissioner, Georgina Opoku Amankwaah, from her office on Monday.
Dr. Eric Oduro Osae has described the incident as unacceptable.
According to him, the approach used by the specialised agency was very disturbing and disappointing.
Dr Oduro Osae told the host of Adom FM’s current affairs program, Burning Issues, Afia Pokua that EOCO had no right to force the Deputy Commissioner from office without a court order.
“EOCO has no right to execute its work in the manner in which it occurred on Monday at the electoral body office” the local governance expert stressed.
His comment comes after EOCO officers invaded the premises of the EC at Ridge in Accra Monday with the sole aim of forcing Mrs Amankwaah out of her office, the Deputy EC Chair is reported to have defied orders to stay out of the office seven months after she was interdicted by EOCO.
After the failed attempt, a closed-door meeting was held.
A 14-day has been agreed upon for EOCO to conclude its investigations into the allegations against Mrs Opoku Amankwaah.
She has been under investigation after a claim of financial impropriety were made against her, whiles two others – the EC Chairperson, Charlotte Osei, and Deputy Chair in Charge of Operations, Amadu Sulley – are also subjects of investigation and possible impeachment.
However, the two have been going about their duties unrestrained.
Dr Oduro Osae told Afia Pokua that lawyers for the Deputy Commissioner must seek court injunction from a human right court against EOCO for violating her rights.
“Her legal team must go to court over violation of it client right by officials of the investigating body without any court orders” Dr Oduro Osae advised.
He also pleaded with Parliament to step into the impasse at the country’s electoral body to ensure the integrity of the Commission is protected.
Dr Oduro Osae also called on the Chief Justice’s Committee investigating the three commissioners to expedite its work.
Dr. Eric Oduro Osae has described the incident as unacceptable.
According to him, the approach used by the specialised agency was very disturbing and disappointing.
Dr Oduro Osae told the host of Adom FM’s current affairs program, Burning Issues, Afia Pokua that EOCO had no right to force the Deputy Commissioner from office without a court order.
“EOCO has no right to execute its work in the manner in which it occurred on Monday at the electoral body office” the local governance expert stressed.
His comment comes after EOCO officers invaded the premises of the EC at Ridge in Accra Monday with the sole aim of forcing Mrs Amankwaah out of her office, the Deputy EC Chair is reported to have defied orders to stay out of the office seven months after she was interdicted by EOCO.
After the failed attempt, a closed-door meeting was held.
A 14-day has been agreed upon for EOCO to conclude its investigations into the allegations against Mrs Opoku Amankwaah.
She has been under investigation after a claim of financial impropriety were made against her, whiles two others – the EC Chairperson, Charlotte Osei, and Deputy Chair in Charge of Operations, Amadu Sulley – are also subjects of investigation and possible impeachment.
However, the two have been going about their duties unrestrained.
Dr Oduro Osae told Afia Pokua that lawyers for the Deputy Commissioner must seek court injunction from a human right court against EOCO for violating her rights.
“Her legal team must go to court over violation of it client right by officials of the investigating body without any court orders” Dr Oduro Osae advised.
He also pleaded with Parliament to step into the impasse at the country’s electoral body to ensure the integrity of the Commission is protected.
Dr Oduro Osae also called on the Chief Justice’s Committee investigating the three commissioners to expedite its work.
Source: Ghana/Adom News/Abednego Asante Asiedu/abednego.asante-asiedu@35.232.176.128 |Twitter:@Abednegoasante