Anti-corruption campaigner and Member of Parliament for the North Tongu constituency in the Volta Region, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has been dragged before the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to be investigated in a matter in which he has been accused of breaching Article 98(2) of the Constitution.
The said Constitutional provision forbids a Member of Parliament from holding any other office of profit-making unless that Member has been given an approval by the Speaker based on the recommendation of a Committee of Parliament.
The Deputy Director of Communications of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ernest Owusu-Bempah has alleged in a petition to CHRAJ that Mr. Ablakwa, while remaining as MP for North Tongue, is working as the beneficial owner, sole shareholder and Director of Klenam Farms and Industries Limited, though the MP has not sought the approval of Parliament to do such work and has not received such an approval from the Speaker.
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Ernest Owusu-Bempah describes this allegation as a factual conflict of interest situation and has therefore petitioned CHRAJ to investigate the matter and declare that Mr. Ablakwa has “engaged in deceptive practices by failing to disclose his business interests and seek the necessary permission”
The petitioner states that his findings prove that Mr. Ablakwa is involved in conflict of interest situation. Indeed, CHRAJ is mandated to investigate allegations of Conflict of Interest against public office holders.
If the allegations put out by Owusu-Bempah turns out as factual, it bruises the reputation Mr. Ablakwa has earned for himself as a principled politician who has zero tolerance for Constitutional breaches and corruption related activities.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has not made comments of the petition and development as at time of filing this report.
Below is the full content of what was filed by Owusu-Bempah at CHRAJ against Mr. Ablakwa:
7th June 2024
The Commissioner
Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ)
High Street
Accra
Dear Sir,
PETITION
HON. SAMUEL OKUDZETO ABLAKWA’S DECEPTION AND NON-COMPLIANCE WITH CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PUBLIC OFFICERS
At a time when our country is striving for economic growth, good governance, and transparency, it is highly unconscionable that a high-ranking public official, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto 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.
As a concerned citizen, I am 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.
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 received 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 OkudjetoAblakwa:
- Occupies a position of profit or emolument in violation of Article 98(2) of the Constitution of Ghana;
2. Has engaged in deceptive practices by failing to disclose his business interests and seek the necessary permissions.
Humbly Submitted,
Ernest Kofi Owusu-Bempah Bonsu
