TIG Post

Tag: Daniel Yao Domelevo

  • Ban ‘stay of proceedings’ in corruption-related cases to prevent trial delays – Domelevo to govt

    Ban ‘stay of proceedings’ in corruption-related cases to prevent trial delays – Domelevo to govt

    Former Auditor-General and a member of the ORAL preparatory team, Daniel Yao Domelevo has advocating for a legal reform that bans stay of proceedings in corruption-related cases.

    According to him, stay of proceedings delays corruption trials which merits criminals and their lawyers which also results in nolle prosequi when there is a change in government. 

    Speaking in an interview on TV3’s The Key Point, Saturday, October 25, 2025. Mr Domelevo indicated that Ghana will not be the first because the Nigerian Supreme Court has blocked stay of proceedings in corruption prosecutions under Section 306 of its Administration of Criminal Justice Act and Section 40 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act. 

    “Put a time limit on trials. If you go to Nigeria, they have made good progress. The Supreme Court in Nigeria based on Section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and then Section 40 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act has prevented Stay of Proceedings in criminal cases so we should apply that. “If not to all criminal cases in Ghana at least to corruption-related cases.” 

    Domelevo stands by the narrative that once Ghana adopt a similar rule, the accused would not have the option to stay proceedings for years once a corruption trial begins.

    “Once we start trying you on corruption, you can’t go to a high court and come back and tell us stay proceedings, let me finish my appeal before you continue so that we can bring finality and a law must guide us. Until we do that, the prayer of criminals and their lawyers is delayed, because a change of government could lead to a nolle prosequi and the case dies” he added.

    He is therefore urging Parliament to amend the Internal Audit Agency Act so that internal auditors are not controlled by the very people they are auditing.

    He further mentioned that auditors currently operate under principal spending officers who can easily influence their work through transfers, promotion threats, or even dismissal. 

    He noted that protecting auditors from such pressures would enable them to detect theft early and prevent future losses rather than only pursuing past ones.

    Amid the advocacy, Chief Executive Officer of the defunct Menzgold Ghana Limited, Nana Appiah Mensah, indicated plans to escalate his legal battle to the Supreme Court months ago, after the Court of Appeal dismissed his application for a stay of proceedings.

    Nana Appiah Mensah, who is popularly known as NAM1, suffered another legal setback on Monday, 19 May 2025, when a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal unanimously rejected his request to suspend proceedings in the ongoing criminal trial at the Financial Division of the High Court in Accra.

    “It is not over yet. There is also the Supreme Court,” NAM1 told reporters after the ruling, adding that he would consult his lawyers before deciding on the next steps.

    The embattled Chief Executive Officer and his two companies, Brew Marketing Consult and Menzgold Ghana Limited, are currently facing trial on 39 charges. These charges include selling gold without a licence, operating a deposit-taking business without approval, inducement to invest, defrauding by false pretence, fraudulent breach of trust, and money laundering.

    The charges are in connection with an alleged misappropriation of over GH¢340 million belonging to thousands of customers.

    In July 2024, the High Court directed NAM1 to open his defence after dismissing his submission of no case to answer. His legal team subsequently filed an appeal to challenge that decision and applied for a stay of proceedings, first at the High Court and later at the Court of Appeal, but both requests were denied.

    The Court of Appeal panel, which was presided over by Justice Gbiel Suurbaareh and included Justices Afia Serwaa Asare-Botwe and Christopher Archer, ruled that NAM1 had failed to show any exceptional circumstances that would warrant the grant of a stay.

    Following this decision, the case at the Financial Court is expected to continue on 28 May 2025.

    In the same vein, an Accra High Court dismissed an application filed by lawyers for the former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), Mr Kwabena Adu-Boahene, for stay of proceedings pending an appeal.

    The application concerned an earlier ruling by the Court’s refusal to grant the defence access to additional documents they indicated were material and exculpatory evidence to help them with their case.

    The accused, his wife, and two others have been charged with 11 offences, including stealing, laundering GH¢49.1 million in state funds, willfully causing financial loss to the state, conspiracy, collaboration to commit crime, and abuse of public office. They have all pleaded not guilty.

    Mr Samuel Atta-Akyea, Counsel for the accused persons, argued that without those documents, their clients could not get a fair trial and therefore asked the court to stay the ongoing criminal proceedings pending the appeal.

    Dr Justice Srem-Sai, the Deputy Attorney-General, opposed the stay.

    The State argued that the defence had not established exceptional circumstances for stay of proceedings to be granted.

    Dr Srem-Sai said the requested materials were either irrelevant or not held by the prosecution, points that underpinned the earlier refusal to order further disclosure.

  • Sack any appointee who refuse to declare their assets after a month – Domelevo suggests to Mahama

    Sack any appointee who refuse to declare their assets after a month – Domelevo suggests to Mahama

    Member of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) committee, Daniel Yao Domelevo, has urged President John Dramani Mahama to remove any government officials who fail to declare their assets to the Auditor-General as required by law.

    Speaking on JoyNews on Thursday, January 16, 2025, Domelevo stressed the need for the president to show a strong commitment to fighting corruption and promoting accountability within his administration.

    “First and foremost, Mahama can make a public statement that I am not going to protect anybody, because he promised Ghanaians that he was going to fight corruption. Even if there is any audit finding and maybe you’re not able to respond to the issues, I will use that finding to take my job away from you. Because you must not be the one who is misusing public funds and not being able to account for it,” he stated.

    Daniel Domelevo pointed out the legal obligation for public officeholders to ensure transparency and accountability.

    “I’m not going to tolerate that. If I were he, I would have just watched my appointees after one month and called all of them. How many of you have declared your assets and your liabilities to the Auditor-General? Those who have declared, this way; those who have not declared, this way. When I finish it. Those who have not declared, you are all going home because you have violated the constitution,” he remarked.

    Domelevo emphasized that failing to declare assets, as required by the Constitution, makes holding public office illegal.

    He urged the president to take firm action to enforce the law and maintain public confidence in his leadership.

    According to Article 286 of the 1992 Constitution and the Public Office Holders (Declaration of Assets and Disqualification) Act, 1998 (Act 550), all public officials must submit a written declaration of their assets, properties, and liabilities to the Auditor-General.

    This declaration must be done before assuming office, at the end of every four years, and when leaving office.

  • Accountability must be at the core of your administration’s legacy – Domelevo to Mahama

    Accountability must be at the core of your administration’s legacy – Domelevo to Mahama

    Former Auditor-General, Daniel Yao Domelevo, has encouraged the incoming administration of John Mahama to view their significant electoral win as a responsibility to serve the nation diligently.

    He noted that the parliamentary majority secured during the December 7 elections represents the people’s trust in Mahama to bring positive change and address the country’s pressing issues.

    “It will be expected that he leaves a legacy that we can say that we have lived through four years of unprecedented, good governance.

    “He is not going to say because I have the majority in parliament we will pass through parliament and get approved policies which are not good for the people.

    “Any changes or amendments to the constitutions and the laws of Ghana, that will help us to ensure better governance, I think I am all for it,” he added.

    Speaking to the media about the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) resounding success in the 2024 elections, Mr. Daniel Yao Domelevo urged the incoming administration to prioritize reforms that enhance governance.

    He emphasized the need to separate the Attorney General’s role from that of the Minister of Justice, asserting that accountability is compromised when a cabinet minister is expected to oversee another in such a dual role.

    “In fact, there is no way that you can sit in cabinet, be part of a policy decision or any decision, and when a decision is implemented with even advice from you, you come back and hold that your colleague, member of parliament or cabinet accountable,” he said.

    The former Auditor-General called on Mr. Mahama to take swift action after his swearing-in to fulfill his promise of recovering misappropriated funds.

    He emphasized the urgency of the task, urging the President-elect to remain steadfast and focused, as there is significant work ahead.

    “He and his team should know that there is no honeymoon for them. He and his team should hit the ground running. Fortunately, he is not a novice at this, he has been there before and knows what to do.

    “I think from day one after swearing-in, he and his team should start to work for what needs to be done immediately, especially the looted funds he promised us that he is going to recover.

    “I think he must take immediate action to ensure that these monies are not taken out of the country,” he said.

  • Honor the trust Ghanaians have placed in you – Domelevo advices Mahama

    Honor the trust Ghanaians have placed in you – Domelevo advices Mahama

    Former Auditor-General of Ghana (AG), Mr. Daniel Yao Domelevo, has urged the incoming John Mahama administration not to take the overwhelming electoral victory for granted. 

    According to him, the majority of Members of Parliament (MPs) that the people gave to former President Mahama at the December 7 polls is to allow him to do good things for the country. 

    “It will be expected that he leaves a legacy that we can say that we have lived through four years of unprecedented good governance. That he is not going to say because I have the majority in parliament, we will pass through parliament and get approved policies that are not good for the people.

    Any changes or amendments to the constitutions and the laws of Ghana that will help us to ensure better governance, I think I am all for it”. 

    Mr. Domelevo made the call when he spoke to the media in reaction to the overwhelming victory of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2024 elections. 

    He also called for a complete separation of the office of the Attorney General (AG) from that of the Minister of Justice to enhance accountability. 

    He argued that there was no way that a cabinet minister like the AG can be held accountable by his colleague minister (AG). 

    “In fact, there is no way that you can sit in cabinet, be part of a policy decision or any decision, and when a decision is implemented with even advice from you, you come back and hold your colleague, member of parliament, or cabinet accountable,” he said. 

    The former auditor-general also urged Mr. Mahama to immediately begin work after his swearing-in to recover the looted funds as he promised, adding that he should not relent as there was work to be done. 

    “He and his team should know that there is no honeymoon for them. He and his team should hit the ground running. Fortunately, he is not a novice at this; he has been there before and knows what to do. 

    “I think from day one after swearing in, he and his team should start work on what needs to be done immediately, especially the looted funds he promised us that he is going to recover. I think he must take immediate action to ensure that these monies are not taken out of the country,” he said. 

  • I find it unfortunate – Domelevo on Sam Okudzeto’s defence of Cecilia Dapaah’s case

    I find it unfortunate – Domelevo on Sam Okudzeto’s defence of Cecilia Dapaah’s case

    Former Auditor-General Daniel Yao Domelevo has criticised Sam Okudzeto, a member of the Council of State, for asserting that former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah, committed no crime by stashing substantial amounts of both local and foreign currencies in her residence, according to myjoyonline.com.

    Domelevo expressed disappointment in the Council of State member’s remarks, highlighting that even if the former minister’s actions weren’t unlawful, the decision to house such funds raises significant concerns that should concern all Ghanaians.

    He also emphasised the contradiction of the minister holding large sums of money at her home while the government she was part of encouraged citizens to deposit their money in financial institutions.

    “I find it unfortunate… my position will not be based on law, but at least being a public figure and a leader in government talking about ensuring that we all use the financial sector, keeping that amount of money in the house may not be legally wrong, but I think it is questionable,” he is quoted as having said on Joy News’ Upfront on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.

    What Sam Okudzeto said:

    Veteran Ghanaian lawyer Sam Okudzeto, reacting to the brouhaha surrounding the investigation of Cecilia Dapaah, who has been accused of corruption and money laundering after two of her house helps were charged with stealing more than $1 million; €300,000 in cash and other valuable items from her residence in Abelemkpe, slammed the critics of the former minister.

    According to him, no law criminalises the stashing of cash at home; hence, she cannot be accused of wrongdoing without providing evidence to back the claims. He stated that Ghanaians have not been fair to the former sanitation minister, as many have made harsh criticisms of her after it emerged that she had been keeping large sums of money in her house.

    “The question is, if you come, and you find money with me, do I owe any duty to you to explain whose money it is? When nobody has complained that I have stolen their money—over a million—what difference does it make? Foreign currency?

    “Look, Ghanaians are not honest people. When you see all these huge buildings that they are building, nobody asks them where they got the money from, when they started them, or when they were completed. Nobody does,” he said in an interview with TV3.

    He asserted that no law bars individuals from stashing money at home until substantial evidence is provided.

    “Do lawyers convict people on circumstantial evidence? When you go to the criminal court, you must establish the issues beyond all reasonable doubt. That’s what the criminal law says. The criminal law is not based upon suspicion or mere allegation,” he added.

  • Lawyer highlights Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on Domelevo, setting a powerful precedent

    Lawyer highlights Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on Domelevo, setting a powerful precedent

    A Ghanaian private legal practitioner has argued that the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision describing the President’s directive to Daniel Yao Domelevo to go on leave as unconstitutional has set a high precedent for the country.

    According to lawyer Tachie Antiedu, while some may agree that it took two years to reach this decision, the long-term impact is what is most important.

    He contended that the ruling would mean that no president would be able to abuse his or her office and remove an Auditor-General from office.

    The most important thing, according to the lawyer, is that the court has prevented any future occurrence in which a president could order an Auditor-General to go on leave, especially if that leader feels threatened by that person’s work.

    The lawyer was speaking on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM’s Frontline with host Kwabena Agyapong.

    “This is a significant protection for that office. It is richly deserved. It would be dangerous to appoint someone to audit you if that person lacked any form of protection. That is why the constitution established that special office,” he explained.

    He emphasised that the Audit Service is an independent body that must be protected and that the court’s decision was positive and should be applauded.

    To him, we needed that verdict, and Domelevo would be entitled to personal benefits if he was interested in taking the matter up.

    “He has the right to sue for unpaid benefits. He is entitled to all types of benefits now that it has been determined that his removal was unconstitutional. He may personally decide not to pursue the matter, but if he so desires, he may do so and win the case.”

    “The court’s decision has removed all doubt. Nobody can make that decision now that it has been established. That, in my opinion, is the most important factor we must consider,” the lawyer stated.

  • CDD welcomes Supreme Court’s verdict on Domelevo’s forced leave

    CDD welcomes Supreme Court’s verdict on Domelevo’s forced leave

    The Centre for Democratic Development (CDD), has expressed satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding the former auditor general, Michael Domelevo and believes it will establish a precedent in Ghana.

    Speaking to the media on Thursday, 1 June a research analyst with CDD Gilfred Asiamah says they are happy with the ruling, adding that it will serve as a precedent in Ghana.

    “It’s not only about Domelevo. It’s about the rule of law. That said, in the future, we don’t expect the encroaching on the office of the auditor general.

    “It’s a good day for accountability. It’s a good day for good governance and it’s a good day for anti-corruption.”

    “We’ll keep looking at the structures and processes. If some of them need clarity, we will facilitate that when we come across those issues,” Asiamah said.

    Listen to the full interview in the attached audio clip below:

    Background

    A seven-member Supreme Court panel by unanimous decision, declared the practice where the president directs a serving Auditor General to proceed on leave or to take their accumulated leave as unconstitutional.

    The panel presided over by Justice Nene Amegatcher also included Justices Professor Ashie Kotey, Mariama Owusu, Lovelace Johnson, Gertrude Torkornoo, Professor Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu and Yonny Kulendi.

    The landmark decision of the Supreme Court followed an application of the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) challenging a directive of President Akufo-Addo on 29 June 2020, instructing the then auditor general, Daniel Yaw Domelevo to take his accumulated leave.

    The plaintiff contended that the directives were unlawful since the president does not have the power to exercise such disciplinary control over independent bodies.

    The court, however, opted not to issue any other orders including stopping Domelevo from proceeding on leave since he has since retired.

    The action of President Akufo-Addo followed an earlier directive by former President John Evans Atta Mills that directed the then Auditor General Edward Dua Agyeman on 9 April 2009, to take his accumulated leave.
    Relief sought

    The Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) in their action filed at the Supreme Court, sought a total of seven reliefs. First, “a declaration that, on a true and proper interpretation of Articles 70(1)(6) and 71), 187(3), (5), (7Xa), (8), (12), and (13), and Article 297(a) of the 1992 Constitution, the directives issued by or on behalf of the President on or between 29th June, 2020 and 3rd July, 2020, instructing the Auditor-General to proceed on “accumulated” leave with effect from 1st July, 2020 for a prescribed number of days determined by the President, are void and of no legal effect, because the said directives are inconsistent with the letter and spirit of the aforementioned provisions of the Constitution as they improperly interfere with the independence and functions of the Auditor General”.

    Second, “a declaration that, the purported appointment or designation by or on behalf of the President on 30th June, 2020, of one Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu as “Acting Auditor-General” is void and of no legal effect, as the said appointment stands contrary to Articles 70(1) (b), 187(3), and (7) of the Constitution as well as the Second Schedule to the Constitution”.

    Third, “a declaration that, on a true and proper interpretation of Articles 70(1)(b) and 187(3) of the Constitution, the power to appoint, authorize or designate a person or persons to exercise a power or perform a function constitutionally assigned to the Auditor-General is vested solely in the Auditor-General; therefore, the purported appointment of a person as ‘Acting Auditor-General,” and the subsequent performance of the functions of the Auditor-General by such person, without authorization from the Auditor-General violate the letter and spirit of the aforementioned provisions of the Constitution and are void and without any legal effect whatsoever”.

    Fourth, “a declaration that, on a true and proper interpretation of Articles, 71(1), 187(12), and 297(a) of the Constitution, the leave entitlement of the Auditor General is, like his salary, are right associated with his office as an independent constitutional officeholder and does not constitute or give rise to an obligation which the Auditor General is duty-bound to assume or else be compelled so to do at the instance and insistence of the president”.

    Fifth, “an order of perpetual injunction to restrain the President or his agents from issuing or seeking to enforce on the Auditor-General any directive that has the purpose or effect of commanding the Auditor-General to take his leave or to surrender any of his powers or functions to another person”.

    Sixth, “an order of perpetual injunction to restrain the President or his agents from designating or appointing any person as Acting Auditor-General” to exercise a constitutional power or perform a constitutional function of the Auditor – General without authorisation from the sole duly-appointed Auditor-General”.

    Lastly, “any other consequential orders that this Honourable Court may deem appropriate under the circumstances”.
    By Court

    The Supreme Court in its decision today (31 May 2023), granted relief one by declaring that on a true and proper interpretation of Articles 70(1)(6) and 71), 187(3), (5), (7Xa), (8), (12), and (13), and Article 297(a) of the 1992 Constitution, the directives issued by or on behalf of the President on or between 29th June, 2020 and 3rd July, 2020, instructing the Auditor-General to proceed on “accumulated” leave with effect from 1st July, 2020 for a prescribed number of days determined by the President, are void and of no legal effect, because the said directives are inconsistent with the letter and spirit of the 1992 Constitution as they improperly interfere with the independence and functions of the Auditor General.

    The Court also granted reliefs two, three and four but dismissed reliefs five, six and seven which were essentially seeking orders to perpetually injunct and restrain the President or his agents from issuing or seeking to enforce on the Auditor-General any directive that has the purpose or effect of commanding the Auditor-General to take his leave or to surrender any of his powers or functions to another person”.

  • I have been vindicated – Yao Domelevo rejoices after SC ruling against his forced leave  

    I have been vindicated – Yao Domelevo rejoices after SC ruling against his forced leave  

    Former Auditor-General, Daniel Yao Domelevo has expressed his delight over the Supreme Court ruling against President Akufo-Addo’s 2020 directive for him to proceed on forced leave. 

    He said he feels vindicated following the ruling of the Apex Court. 

    “I felt vindicated when the decision came,” he said, adding that: “if you remember, when I wrote to the office of the President to draw their attention to the unconstitutionality or the unlawfulness of the directive from the President, I was told it is because I’m not a lawyer, I don’t appreciate the Law but I’m happy that those in whose bosom resides the interpretation of the Constitution and the Laws of this country have affirmed my position. So that makes me happy.”

    Domelevo added that what brings him greater joy is that his case will serve as a guiding precedent for the country, prompting a collective effort to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

    “What makes me more happy is that from now onward, there are going to be several Auditor-Generals to come, and several presidents to come and they will not be a repeat of what happened in 2022, any Auditor-General or I believe even Independent Constitution Office holders,” he added. 

    Asked by the interviewer if he felt he had been denied justice given the period the incident happened and the time a verdict had been passed, he responded in the negative. 

    “I don’t feel that way [that I have been denied justice] because I don’t think anyone knows about justice being delayed, justice being denied more than the Supreme Court. It is the Apex Court of the country so they should know better. They may have reasons why it has taken this long so I will not like to say that I have been denied justice,” he said.

    “But to be very honest with you, it’s better late than never and it is going to guide us going forward. So people should worry that it did not come quickly enough for me to continue doing the work,” he added. 

    Recall that in 2020, President Akufo-Addo directed Mr Domelevo to proceed on forced leave.  

    In a letter dated June 29, 2020, and signed by the Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, the President justified the decision with sections 20(1) and 31 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), which apply to all workers, including public office holders such as the Auditor-General. Mr Domelevo’s leave was further extended after the first deadline was due. 

    The Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) and eight other Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) who described the move as an affront to the independence of the office took up the matter and sought legal redress for the former Auditor-General at the Supreme Court after several unattended appeals to the President.  

    After hearing the case, the Supreme Court ruled that the move was unconstitutional.

    The Court said the decision by President Nana Akufo-Addo against Daniel Yao Domelevo in 2020 to take his 169 working days of accumulated leave was null and void.

  • Domelevo passionately appeals to Akufo-Addo to stop violating Ghana’s laws

    Domelevo passionately appeals to Akufo-Addo to stop violating Ghana’s laws

    In a fervent plea directed at President Akufo-Addo, Ghana’s former Auditor General, Mr Yao Domelevo, has taken a bold stand against what he perceives as a repeated violation of the country’s laws. 

    His appeal comes as a resolute call for adherence to the rule of law and a plea for accountability at the highest levels of leadership, following the Supreme Court’s ruling that the directive for Mr Domelevo to proceed on forced leave as issued in 2020 by President Akufo-Addo was unconstitutional.

    Although Mr Domelevo admitted that he was happy about the ruling of the Apex Court, he was also saddened by the fact that the President was the perpetrator of this violation. 

    “The long and short of it is that today we are at the point where we know who is wrong and who is not wrong. But let me tell you one thing that saddens me about this decision; it’s the fact that this is the highest office of the land -the Office of the President- which is at the forefront of violating the Constitution, of violating the laws of the country,” he said in an interview with JoyNews. 

    With passion and conviction, Mr Domelevo, thus, appealed to the President to halt these transgressions and restore the integrity of his office as well as Ghana’s legal system . 

    “I’d like to plead with the office to desist from this so that we see the office of the President as the one which is at the forefront of enforcing or upholding the Laws of the country. It should not be said that in a day, the Supreme Court has decided on two cases and in all these cases, the Presidency was wrong.I don’t think it augurs well. So it is my wish and prayer that going forward care will be taken,” he said. 

    The Supreme Court of Ghana, on May 31, 2023, declared as unconstitutional the 2020 directive by President Akufo-Addo, for the former Auditor-General to proceed on forced leave.

    In a letter dated June 29, 2020, and signed by the Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, the President justified the decision with sections 20(1) and 31 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), which apply to all workers, including public office holders such as the Auditor-General. Mr Domelevo’s leave was further extended after the first deadline was due. 

    The Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) and eight other Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) who described the move as an affront to the independence of the office took up the matter and sought legal redress for the former Auditor-General at the Supreme Court after several unattended appeals to the President.  

    After hearing the case, the Supreme Court ruled that the move was unconstitutional.

    The Court said the decision by President Nana Akufo-Addo against Daniel Yao Domelevo in 2020 to take his 169 working days of accumulated leave was null and void.

  • Domelevo speaks on why he will not take further actions against Akufo-Addo after SC ruling

    Domelevo speaks on why he will not take further actions against Akufo-Addo after SC ruling

    Former Auditor-General, Daniel Yao Domelevo, has firmly rejected demands to pursue compensation for the unconstitutional “leave” he was forced to take in 2020 under the directive of the presidency.

    Despite facing widespread public outcry and legal experts highlighting the violation of constitutional provisions, Domelevo has chosen not to seek damages for the unjust treatment he endured during his forced absence from office.

    This decision by the respected former Auditor-General reflects his commitment to prioritizing the integrity of the office he once held, rather than engaging in protracted legal battles. As the issue continues to garner attention, it raises important questions about accountability, constitutional adherence, and the protection of public officials who strive to uphold transparency and good governance.

    The Supreme Court after three years ruled that the forced leave was ‘unconstitutional and null and void.’

    In an interview with Citi FM hours after the May 31 ruling was handed down, Domelevo said even though he felt vindicated, he was not going to push further because the person who caused his predicament was not a taxpayer.

    “Many people made such suggestions, but I jokingly tell them why would I take redress to get compensation from the taxpayers who did nothing to me. The president doesn’t pay tax, so I’m not interested in taking any further action,” he said.

    About his ouster, he submitted further: “It’s a position and not a possession, so I have moved on… I think the verdict is the most important thing.”

    Civil Society Organizations filed a lawsuit arguing that the president’s directive that Domelevo takes 169-day accumulated leave ahead of his retirement undermined the independence of the Auditor-General’s office, adding that it smugged of attempts to hinder anti-corruption efforts.

    On Wednesday, May 31, 2023, the Supreme Court upheld the suit, declaring the president’s directive as “unconstitutional and null and void,” thus putting an end to two years of legal disputes after the president rejected appeals to rescind the directive.

    In an interview on Accra-based JoyNews’ Upfront show on Wednesday, May 31, Mr. Domelevo expressed his satisfaction with the court’s decision, stating that he felt vindicated.

    “I was not jumping around, but I felt vindicated when the decision came. If you remember, when I wrote to the office of the president to draw the attention of the president to the unconstitutionality of the directive from the president, I was told it’s because I am not a lawyer, I don’t appreciate the law, and I am happy that those in whose bosom reside the interpretation of the constitution and the laws have affirmed my position,” he said.

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

    Mr. Domelevo believed that the verdict would discourage similar unlawful acts against his successors and expressed his hope for caution to be exercised in order to avoid a recurrence of such a situation in the future.

  • Scores of Duffour’s fans troop to NDC Headquarters as he picks nominations form

    Scores of Duffour’s fans troop to NDC Headquarters as he picks nominations form

    Scores of National Democratic Congress enthusiasts trooped to the premises of the party headquarters to join their preferred flagbearer candidate, Dr Kwabena Duffour, as he picked up his nomination forms.

    Dr. Kwabena Duffour, a former Governor of the Bank of Ghana who has indicated his intentions to contest for the flagbearership position of the party picked up his nomination forms on Thursday, February 23, 2023.

    Scores of individuals believed to be in the camp of Dr. Duffour, thronged the NDC headquarters, singing and cheering for him.

    Dressed in party colours, with various party paraphernalia and wielding placards with posters of Dr. Duffour, these enthusiasts threw their support behind Dr. Duffour, while one of the party’s theme songs played in the background.

    Dr. Duffour however did not pick up the forms personally, he designated the Ashanti Regional Women’s Organiser of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Gloria Huze, and his spokesperson who represented him.

    This comes after representatives of Former President, John Dramani Mahama, Former Kumasi Mayor, Kojo Bonsu, and Businessman, Ernest Kwaku Korbeah all picked up their nomination forms on Wednesday, February 22, 2023.

    The forms pegged at 30,000 Ghana Cedis will be filled and returned to the party’s Elections Committee. Candidates will then be vetted and when approval is given, they can then begin campaign. This was reiterated by Chairman of the Elections Committee, Kakra Essamuah.

    Source: Myjoyonline

  • This government is at the forefront of misbehaviour, breaching laws – Former A-G

    This government is at the forefront of misbehaviour, breaching laws – Former A-G

    Former Auditor General, Daniel Yao Domelevo, has said that he is not surprised about the level of corruption and infractions that are recorded in audit reports on the government finances.

    Speaking in a Joy News interview on Thursday, January 26, 2023, Domelevo posited that the level of corruption and infractions are so high because the government, which is supposed to be preventing them breaches the financial laws of the country more than any entity.

    “I get sad, especially when you borrow money from people saying, that I don’t have money to take care of a pandemic and then you use the money to pay SSNIT, you use some to pay NABCO, etc. Are those all part of the pandemic?

    “So, you see the government itself is at the forefront of misbehaviour or breaching laws or not respecting the financial roles.

    “So are you surprised that we have this level of embezzlement and infractions in the Auditor General’s report when even the Ministry of Finance and the government which should be at the forefront and ensuring that the finance rules are complied with are misbehaving? What will others do?” he questioned.

    He also said that the government does not take audit reports on its finances earnestly, which is why finance infractions by government agencies continue.

    The former Auditor General made these remarks while reacting to an audit report on Ghana’s COVID-19 expenditure which showed that nearly 50 per cent of the money the state mobilised to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country was used for budget support and not issues related to the outbreak.

    The report, which was prepared by the Auditor General Department, indicated that the government raised nearly GH¢22 billion, as of June 2022, to fight COVID-19 in Ghana through the Contingency Fund, the World Bank Group, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the European Union (EU).

    However, out of the total amount raised to fight COVID-19, only about GH¢12 billion (a little over 50 percent of the total funds raised) was used for activities geared toward fighting the spread of the virus and its impact in Ghana.

    Source: Ghanaweb