'I feel vindicated and happy' – Domelevo reacts to Supreme Court ruling against Akufo-Addo

The former Auditor-General, Daniel Yaw Domelevo, has expressed happiness over a Supreme Court ruling that described as “unconstitutional” a directive from President Akufo-Addo in 2020 asking him to take 169 days of forced leave.

The ruling was in response to a suit filed by civil society organizations who argued that the president’s actions undermined the independence of the Auditor-General’s office.

Mr Domelevo’s forced leave fueled claims that the president was trying to thwart anti-corruption efforts.

In its ruling upholding the suit against the president’s action, the Supreme Court said it was “unconstitutional and null and void.”

The ruling ended two years of legal wrangling, after the president refused appeals to rescind the directive.

In an interview on Accra-based JoyNews’ Upfront show on Wednesday, May 31, Mr Domelevo said he felt vindicated by the court’s decision.

“When I wrote to the Office of the President to draw their attention to their unlawful act, I was told I don't understand the law because I wasn't a lawyer. Those in whose bosom the laws lie have vindicated me,” he said.

He added, “I am ultimately happy because those after me will not go through this again.”

Mr Domelevo said the verdict would deter similar unlawful acts against his successors.

“Going forward, I wish care will be taken so that we don't plunge into such a situation again,” he said.