Ford Gift Saga: CHRAJ Writes To Mahama For Answers

The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has written to President John Mahama, demanding reasons for his decision to accept a $100,000 Ford vehicle gift. The letter dated July 7, 2016, is in line with the investigations procedure regulations, 2010 (ci) 67. According to sources at CHRAJ, the President has ten days after the date of receipt of the letter to give his response.

The National Youth League of the Convention People's Party and the Progressive People's Party both petitioned CHRAJ to investigate the President for allegedly receiving a ford vehicle from a Burkinabe contractor, Djibril Kanazoe.

We're ready to impeach Mahama – Minority
Meanwhile the Minority in Parliament has said its plan to push for President John Mahama's impeachment over his acceptance of the gift has reached an advanced stage.

Citi News last week published exclusive details of the Minority's plan to commence the process, prompting strong reactions and condemnation from Majority lawmakers.

What does the constitution say?
Article 284 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana states, “A public officer shall not put himself in a position where his personal interest conflicts or is likely to conflict with the performance of the functions of his office.”

This constitutional provision has informed a new bill, Conduct of Public Officers Bill, 2013, presented by cabinet to Parliament. According to Section 21 (b) a public officer many not “ accept a gift, favour or an advantage that has the potential to influence the proper discharge of the public officer's functions or judgment, from a person with whom the public officer comes into contact in relation to the public officer's functions”.

-Citifmonline