A petition filed by Ernest Kofi Owusu Bempah Bonsu, Deputy Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has brought Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, into the spotlight over allegations of conflict of interest and violation of the 1992 Constitution.
The petition claims that Mr Ablakwa has secretly profited from his involvement as director, sole shareholder, and beneficial owner of Volta Klenam Farms and Industries LTD, a company established in 2021, without seeking the necessary parliamentary approval.
This revelation of potential constitutional transgressions has incited public outrage and raised concerns regarding the ethical conduct and accountability of the loudmouth MP.
If proven true, Ablakwa’s actions would contradict the very standards he has championed for his peers, potentially subjecting him to the repercussions of his own advocated principles.
Mr Ablakwa’s image as an anti-corruption advocate is now in question, as observers scrutinise the sincerity and integrity of his anti-corruption crusade.
By upholding stringent accusations against others, Ablakwa has set a high standard for himself, but his alleged conduct implies a disregard for the principles he espouses, thereby revealing a potential double standard. Meanwhile, his public conduct, specifically his tendency to make unsupported claims on social media, has further raised concerns about his credibility, intentions, and trustworthiness.
The overall outcome of this inquiry will be of substantial consequence for Ghana’s political landscape and the public perception of officials’ ethical standing.
The nation waits anxiously as the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) delves into this unfolding saga, which bears all the hallmarks of a gripping political drama.
Find below his full petition:
7th June 2024
The Commissioner Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ)
High Street Accra
Dear Sir,
PETITION HON. SAMUEL OKUDZETO ABLAKWA’S DECEPTION AND NON- NON-COMPLIANCE WITH CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PUBLIC OFFICERS
At a time when our country is striving for economic growth, good governance, and transparency, it is highly unconscionable that a high-ranking public official, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP for North Tongu Constituency), blatantly flouts the very laws and principles that he has sworn to uphold.
His actions are a disgrace to the office he occupies and an affront to the people of Ghana who expect integrity and accountability from their leaders.
As a concerned citizen, I am compelled to bring to light the grievous abuses of office, blatant breaches of constitutional provisions, and deliberate deception by Hon. Ablakwa. My investigations have uncovered a shocking pattern of misconduct, non-compliance with our nation’s laws, and deceptive practices aimed at evading scrutiny and accountability.
Facts Uncovered:
1. Conflict of Interest and Breach of Constitutional Provisions: Hon. Ablakwa is the director, sole shareholder, and beneficial owner of Volta Klenam Farms and Industries LTD, incorporated on 2nd September 2021. As a Member of Parliament, he is mandated to comply with Article 98(2) of the Constitution of Ghana, which forbids MPs from holding any other office of profit or emolument, whether public or private, directly or indirectly, without the permission of the Speaker of Parliament upon recommendation of a committee of parliament.
Despite this clear mandate, Hon. Ablakwa has neglected, failed, and refused to comply with this provision. As of 4th June 2024, it is evident that Hon. Ablakwa has not applied to the committee nor received a certificate from the Speaker as required by the constitution.
2. Deceptive Practices and Misconduct: It is evident that Hon. Ablakwa has been deceptive about his compliance with the law. His failure to disclose his business interests and seek the necessary permissions highlights a deliberate attempt to evade scrutiny and accountability. This is a grave abuse of his position and an insult to the integrity of our legislative processes.
Through this petition, I demand that CHRAJ makes a determination that Hon. Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa:
1. Occupies a position of profit or emolument in violation of Article 98(2) of the Constitution of Ghana;
2. Has engaged in deceptive practices by failing to disclose his business interests and seeking the necessary permissions.
Humbly Submitted, Ernest Kofi OwusuBempah Bonsu 0244704434
