A private citizen, Emmanuel Senyo Amekplenu, has reportedly petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate President John Dramani Mahama over the takeover of the Damang mine by his brother, businessman Ibrahim Mahama.
According to a report by thelawplatform.com, the petitioner is alleging conflict of interest and abuse of executive influence in the approval process for the mine takeover.
The petition reportedly invokes Article 218(a) of the 1992 Constitution, which grants CHRAJ investigative powers, as well as Article 284, which deals with conflict of interest involving public officers.
Amekplenu argued that the alleged involvement of Ibrahim Mahama in matters relating to the presidency raises constitutional and ethical concerns.
The petition also referenced reports that Ibrahim Mahama allegedly funded the Vice President Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyeman’s health trip and provided his private jet for use by President Mahama, claiming these could have influenced the approval of the Damang mine deal.
“Premised on serious concerns of conflict of interest, abuse of executive influence, and the possible use of public office for private family advantage contrary to Article 284 of the Constitution,” part of the petition reportedly stated.
The petitioner further argued that since Cabinet allegedly approved the takeover and Cabinet meetings are chaired by the President, there could be a conflict of interest because the beneficiary is the President’s brother.
“It is also not in dispute that the said transaction received the tacit approval of Cabinet, which is ordinarily chaired by the President,” the petition reportedly added.
Amekplenu has therefore asked CHRAJ to investigate the circumstances surrounding the takeover and determine whether any constitutional breaches occurred.
Among the requests made in the petition are for CHRAJ to review Cabinet memoranda, minutes, declarations of interest, and related correspondence linked to the transaction.
The petitioner also called for investigations into the alleged use of Ibrahim Mahama’s private jet for presidential and official travels to determine whether any public benefits or concessions were connected to it.
He further asked CHRAJ to recommend sanctions or corrective measures if any violations are established.
