The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has issued a stern warning to workers in Ghana to act swiftly when faced with decisions that violate their rights, or risk losing their chance to seek redress.
According to John Ato Breboh, Deputy Chief Investigator at CHRAJ’s Tema Sub-Regional Office, the commission can only intervene within 12 months of such incidents, which includes dismissals that go against their conditions of service, in line with CHRAJ’s Act 1993 (Act 456). This 12-month period is specific to matters relating to seeking remedy in CHRAJ regarding wrongful administrative decisions.
Speaking on Plan B FM’s social and lifestyle programme, “Nyansapɔ Fie,” hosted by Nana Asabea, Uncle Ato emphasised the importance of workers being aware of their conditions of service, which outline rules and regulations. He advised workers to seek review or help within their institution or elsewhere within a specific timeframe if an administrative action is taken against them.
Uncle Ato cited a cautionary tale of a Police officer who missed the six-month window to appeal his demotion, resulting in the remedy being unavailable. He also referenced the Limitation Act, 1972, which specifies a three-year timeframe for seeking redress in cases like personal injury claims or accidents.
“It is essential for individuals to take action promptly, especially regarding compensation claims under the Civil Liability Act,” Uncle Ato noted. He advised people to initiate the compensation process while still alive, as the law cannot act on behalf of the deceased after three years.
He explained that CHRAJ’s mandate includes protecting and promoting administrative justice to ensure that employers and employees are accountable and transparent. The commission can investigate complaints concerning injustice and unfair treatment of any person by a public officer.
”Workers who feel their rights have been violated can submit a complaint to CHRAJ using their normal complaint form, which requires details such as the name of the complainant, occupation, residential address, and facts of the complaint, within 12 months after the administrative decisions have been taken against them and are not satisfied,” he concluded.
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