ASEPA petitions President Mahama for removal of Auditor General from office

The Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA) has formally petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to remove Auditor-General Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu from office.

The petition, submitted on April 3 at the Jubilee House, accuses Mr. Asiedu of misconduct, abuse of office, and constitutional violations.

According to ASEPA, Mr. Asiedu has committed high crimes, including failing to comply with Supreme Court directives, which they argue constitutes a constitutional breach under Article 2(4) of the 1992 Constitution.

They further accuse him of colluding with the Audit Service Board to undermine parliamentary authority, a violation of Article 187(15).

Additionally, ASEPA alleges that Mr. Asiedu unlawfully retained public funds in breach of Section 17(2) of the Audit Service Act. They also accuse him of abusing discretionary powers, contravening Article 296 of the Constitution.

The petition, signed by ASEPA’s Executive Director, Mensah Thompson, urges President Mahama to initiate the removal process through constitutional provisions outlined in Articles 187(13) and 146.

ASEPA insists that due process must be followed, akin to procedures for removing a Chief Justice.

Mr. Asiedu, who was appointed Auditor-General in 2021 by former President Akufo-Addo, had his contract extended in June 2024 ahead of his statutory retirement in August 2024.

His tenure has been marked by controversy, particularly following the forced retirement of his predecessor, Daniel Yaw Domelevo.

ASEPA remains confident that their petition will be handled transparently and that accountability within the Audit Service will be upheld.