A petition has been lodged with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) seeking an investigation into alleged misconduct by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Mary Awusi.
The petition, filed by Prince Owusu Bonnah and Christiana Acheampong, accuses Dr Awusi of allegedly using official working hours for media appearances and participating in discussions said to be unrelated to her official responsibilities.
According to the petitioners, CHRAJ should determine whether the CEO’s conduct amounts to administrative impropriety, abuse of office, misuse of public resources or a breach of ethical standards governing public officers.
The petition specifically requests CHRAJ to establish:
- Whether the alleged conduct constitutes misuse of official time and state resources;
- Whether Dr Awusi breached the Code of Conduct for Public Officers; and
- Whether her actions amount to administrative impropriety or abuse of office.
One of the incidents referenced in the petition allegedly occurred on April 23, 2026, when Dr Awusi is said to have participated in a live radio discussion on Accra FM during official working hours.
According to the petitioners, the programme involved commentary on national issues as well as remarks directed at religious leadership, including Eric Kwabena Nyamekye, Chairman of the Church of Pentecost.
The petition argues that such media engagements may not align with the mandate of the Ghana Free Zones Authority and could expose the institution to reputational risks.
It further alleges repeated media appearances during working hours, involvement in discussions unrelated to the Authority’s core mandate and possible diversion of official time and public resources.
According to the petitioners, if established, the alleged conduct could undermine public confidence in the leadership and operational focus of the Authority.
The petition references provisions of the 1992 Constitution relating to the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, as well as CHRAJ’s constitutional mandate to investigate allegations of abuse of office and administrative injustice.
The petitioners are therefore urging CHRAJ to determine whether the alleged conduct amounts to misuse of public time, ethical breaches or administrative misconduct, and to impose any necessary sanctions or corrective measures.
They also called for broader guidance to ensure public officials remain focused on their institutional responsibilities during working hours and avoid activities that could conflict with their official duties.
According to the petitioners, the complaint was filed in the public interest to promote accountability, discipline and professionalism within public service institutions.
They added that supporting materials, including video recordings of some of the cited media appearances, had been attached to assist CHRAJ in its investigations.
