A formal petition has been submitted to 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, over claims of misuse of official working time and participation in media discussions unrelated to her official duties.
The petitioners are urging CHRAJ to examine whether the CEO’s reported media appearances during working hours amount to administrative impropriety, breach of public service ethics, or misuse of state resources.
According to the petition, a key incident cited occurred on 23rd April 2026, when Dr. Awusi reportedly participated in a live radio discussion on Accra 100.5 FM between 4:09 pm and 5:00 pm.
The discussion allegedly included commentary on national issues as well as remarks directed at religious leadership, including the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Kwabena Nyamekye.
The petition further claims that such media engagements during official working hours may not be aligned with the statutory mandate of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, raising concerns about possible neglect of official responsibilities and reputational risks to the institution.
Among the specific concerns outlined, the petitioners allege repeated media appearances during working hours, engagement in discussions unrelated to institutional duties, and potential diversion of official time and public resources. They argue that such conduct, if established, could undermine public confidence in the leadership and focus of the Authority.
Legally, the petition references provisions of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana relating to the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, as well as CHRAJ’s mandate to investigate allegations of abuse of office and administrative injustice.
The petitioners are therefore requesting CHRAJ to determine whether the alleged conduct constitutes misuse of public time, breach of ethical standards, or administrative misconduct, and to take appropriate action where necessary.
They are also seeking broader guidance to ensure that public officers adhere strictly to official duties during working hours and avoid engagements that may conflict with their institutional responsibilities.
The petition concludes by stating that the complaint is made in the public interest, with the aim of promoting accountability and strengthening discipline within public service institutions.
Supporting materials, including video evidence of some of the cited media appearances, were reportedly attached for CHRAJ’s review.
