A petition has been filed with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) calling for an investigation into alleged misconduct involving the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Dr. Mary Awusi.
The petition alleges that Dr. Awusi misused official working hours by engaging in media appearances and participating in discussions that were not related to her official responsibilities.
It was filed by Prince Owusu Bonnah and Christiana Acheampong, who are asking CHRAJ to determine whether the conduct in question amounts to administrative impropriety, a breach of public service ethics, or misuse of state resources.
In their request, they stated:
“We respectfully invite the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice to determine the following:
a. Whether the conduct described constitutes a misuse of official time and public resources;
b. Whether the actions of Dr Mary Awusi amount to a breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers;
c. Whether such conduct constitutes administrative impropriety or an abuse of office.”
One of the incidents highlighted in the petition reportedly occurred on April 23, 2026, when Dr. Awusi allegedly took part in a live radio discussion on Accra FM.
According to the petitioners, the programme included commentary on national issues and remarks directed at religious leadership, including the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Kwabena Nyamekye.
They argue that such media engagements during official working hours may fall outside the mandate of the Ghana Free Zones Authority and could expose the institution to reputational risk.
The petition further claims there have been repeated instances of media appearances during working hours and participation in discussions unrelated to official duties, suggesting possible diversion of public time and resources.
The petitioners maintain that, if established, the alleged conduct could undermine public confidence in the leadership and operations of the Authority.
It also references provisions of the 1992 Constitution on the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, as well as CHRAJ’s mandate to investigate allegations of abuse of office and administrative injustice.
They are therefore urging CHRAJ to determine whether the allegations amount to misuse of public time, ethical breaches, or administrative misconduct, and to take appropriate action where necessary.
The petition also calls for broader guidance to ensure public officers remain focused on official duties during working hours and avoid engagements that may conflict with institutional responsibilities.
According to the petitioners, the complaint has been filed in the public interest to promote accountability and discipline within the public service.
They have also indicated that supporting materials, including video recordings of some of the alleged media appearances, have been submitted for CHRAJ’s review.