A petition has been filed with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) seeking an investigation into alleged misconduct by Dr. Mary Awusi, the CEO of the Ghana Free Zones Authority. The petition, lodged by Prince Owusu Bonnah and Christiana Acheampong, accuses Dr. Awusi of misusing official working hours for media appearances and engaging in discussions deemed unrelated to her official duties.
The core of the petition questions whether Dr. Awusi’s conduct constitutes a misuse of official time and public resources, a breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, or administrative impropriety and abuse of office. CHRAJ has been invited to make these determinations.
Background of the Allegations
The petitioners cite a specific incident on April 23, 2026, where Dr. Awusi allegedly participated in a live radio discussion on Accra FM. The content of this programme reportedly included commentary on national issues and remarks directed at religious leadership, specifically mentioning the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Eric Kwabena Nyamekye.
According to the petition, such media engagements during official working hours may fall outside the mandate of the Ghana Free Zones Authority. Petitioners argue that these activities could potentially expose the institution to reputational risks.
The allegations extend beyond this single incident, with the petition claiming repeated media appearances during work hours. These appearances are described as involving discussions unrelated to Dr. Awusi’s institutional responsibilities, raising concerns about the diversion of official time and public resources.
Public Service Ethics and Accountability
Petitioners assert that if these alleged actions are substantiated, they could undermine public confidence in the Authority’s leadership and its operational focus. The complaint references provisions within Ghana’s 1992 Constitution concerning the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.
It also highlights CHRAJ’s established mandate to investigate allegations of abuse of office and administrative injustice. The petitioners are seeking a formal determination by CHRAJ on whether the alleged conduct breaches ethical standards or constitutes administrative misconduct. They also request appropriate action be taken if the findings warrant it.
Broader Implications and Public Interest
Beyond the specific case, the petitioners are seeking broader guidance from CHRAJ. They aim to ensure that public officers remain focused on their official duties during designated working hours. The goal is to prevent activities that could conflict with their institutional responsibilities and public trust.
The petition emphasizes that the complaint was filed in the public interest, aiming to promote greater accountability and discipline within Ghana’s public service institutions. Supporting materials, including video recordings of some of the alleged media appearances, have been submitted to CHRAJ for its review.
The Ghana Free Zones Authority is a key governmental body responsible for developing and managing free zones in Ghana, aimed at attracting investment and promoting export-oriented industries. Its leadership is expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and dedication to its economic development mandate.
The outcome of CHRAJ’s investigation could set a precedent for public officials regarding the use of official time and resources for non-official engagements. It underscores the increasing scrutiny on public service conduct and the importance of maintaining focus on core governmental responsibilities.
As CHRAJ proceeds with its investigation, the public and relevant stakeholders will be watching closely. The findings are expected to shed light on the adherence to public service ethics and the mechanisms for ensuring accountability among high-ranking officials. The case highlights the ongoing dialogue about transparency and the appropriate use of state resources in Ghana’s public sector.
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