Ernest Kofi Owusu-Bempah Bonsu, a Deputy Communications Officer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has filed a petition against Hon. Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency, to the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ).
The petition, dated 7th June, 2024, is alleging that the North Tongu MP is engaged in deception and non-compliance with code of conduct for public officers.
The petition is addressed to the Commissioner of CHRAJ. It is titled ‘Petition- Hon. Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa’s Deception and Non-Compliance with Code of Conduct for Public Officers’.
Mr. Owusu-Bempah Bonsu states in his petition that at a time when the country is striving for economic growth, good governance, and transparency, it is highly unconscionable that a high-ranking public official, Hon. Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa (MP for North Tongu Constituency), blatantly flouts the very laws and principles that he has sworn to uphold.
“His actions are a disgrace to the office he occupies and an affront to the people of Ghana who expect integrity and accountability from their leaders,” the petition alleges.
He states that as a concerned citizen, he is compelled to bring to light the grievous abuses of office, blatant breaches of constitutional provisions, and the deliberate deception by Hon. Ablakwa.
“My investigations have uncovered a shocking pattern of misconduct, non-compliance with our nation’s laws, and deceptive practices aimed at evading scrutiny and accountability,” Mr. Owusu-Bempah Bonsu states in the petition.
(Below are the facts Mr. Owusu-Bempah Bonsu claims he has uncovered).
**Facts Uncovered:**
- *Conflict of Interest and Breach of Constitutional Provisions:*
Hon. Ablakwa is the director, sole shareholder, and beneficial owner of Volta Klenam Farms and Industries LTD, incorporated on 2nd September 2021. As a Member of Parliament, he is mandated to comply with Article 98(2) of the Constitution of Ghana, which forbids MPs from holding any other office of profit or emolument, whether public or private, directly or indirectly, without the permission of the Speaker of Parliament upon recommendation of a committee of parliament.
Despite this clear mandate, Hon. Ablakwa has neglected, failed, and refused to comply with this provision. As of 4th June 2024, it is evident that Hon. Ablakwa has not applied to the committee nor recieved a certificate from the speaker as required by the constitution.
- *Deceptive Practices and Misconduct:*
It is evident that Hon. Ablakwa has been deceptive about his compliance with the law. His failure to disclose his business interests and seek the necessary permissions highlights a deliberate attempt to evade scrutiny and accountability. This is a grave abuse of his position and an insult to the integrity of our legislative processes.
Through this petition, I demand that CHRAJ makes a determination that Hon. Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa:
- Occupies a position of profit or emolument in violation of Article 98(2) of the Constitution of Ghana;
- Has engaged in deceptive practices by failing to disclose his business interests and seek the necessary permissions.”
