I was not allowed to perform my duties – Witness

Mr. Adjei Sefah, Head of Administration and Secretary to the Ghana Institute Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) Governing Council on Thursday told an Accra Fast Track High Court that he was not allowed a free hand to perform his duties by Dr. Stephen Adei, Rector of GIMPA.

Mr. Sefah was giving evidence in a case in which Mr. Egbert Faibille, Managing Editor of the Ghanaian Observer Newspaper had filed a suit at the High Court in his capacity as a citizen of Ghana against three defendants, including Dr. Stephen Adei, Rector of GIMPA as the first defendant, and the GIMPA Governing Council as the second defendant and the GIMPA Institution as the third defendant.

Mr. Sefa, who is a witness in the on-going trial said even though his relationship with Dr. Adei was cordial, the GIMPA Rector did not allow him to perform his duties as the administrative head and secretary to the Governing Council.

Mr. Sefah made this revelation during a cross-examination by Mr. Nene Amegatcher, Counsel for the first defendant, Dr Adei and explained that even though the Governing Council took most of its decisions by majority of its members their decision was not the final authority in the appointment of a rector unless it was supported by the President of the Republic of Ghana.

On cross-examination by Mr. Daniel Amarteifio, Defence Counsel, Mr. Sefah said he raised the issue of Dr. Adei's continued stay in office at a Council meeting on July 1, 2005 which the board considered.

He said at that meeting Dr. Adei's post was approved by the Council for him to act as the Rector of the institution from July 1, 2005 till a substantive person was found.

Mr. Amartefio also tendered in evidence four different council meetings' minutes which were drafted by Mr Sefah and signed by Council Chairman, Edward Nyarko Boohene to indicate that Dr Adei had been re-appointed for the second term.

Among the relieves sought by the plaintiff include an order by the court to restrain Dr. Adei from holding himself as a professor and rector of GIMPA, that the Governing Council of GIMPA should advertise the vacant position in the media and a suitable replacement found.

The rest are damages should also be awarded against the first defendant for deceiving the entire GIMPA institution, Governing Council and the fraud that he had perpetuated on the people of Ghana.