The IMANI Center for Policy and Education has formally petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana for alleged constitutional, statutory, and administrative breaches related to the disposal of election equipment. The think tank contends that the EC’s actions amount to misappropriation and misuse of public resources.
Allegations of Mismanagement and Lack of Transparency
IMANI’s petition centers on the EC’s disposal of tens of thousands of items, including laptops, digital cameras, printers, scanners, and fingerprint verifiers, which the EC deemed obsolete. IMANI argues that many of these items were still functional and that their disposal lacked transparency and proper valuation. The organization asserts that such actions represent a conflict between the EC’s duty to judiciously manage national resources and its alleged tendency to favor certain commercial vendors.
Call for Comprehensive Investigation
In its petition, IMANI urges CHRAJ to conduct a thorough investigation into the EC’s procurement and disposal practices. The think tank also suggests a possible referral of the matter to the Office of the Special Prosecutor for a specialized corruption risk assessment, given the significant financial implications and potential breaches of public trust.
Electoral Commission’s Response
As of now, the Electoral Commission has not publicly responded to the allegations raised in IMANI’s petition. The outcome of CHRAJ’s investigation could have significant implications for the EC’s operations and public confidence in Ghana’s electoral processes.
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