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The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has concluded its investigation into the 2021 Christmas decorations at Kotoka International Airport (KIA), exonerating Paul Adom Otchere, the Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL). CHRAJ determined that no criminal offense had been committed in the procurement of the Christmas decorations, and there was no basis to refer the case to the Attorney-General for further investigation.
While the investigation found a breach of the Procurement Act of 2003, Act 663, regarding invoices issued in the joint names of Mr. Adom Otchere and GACL, CHRAJ deemed this breach as minor. The report noted that Act 663 does not require invoices to be submitted in the personal names of state-owned enterprise Board Chairmen.
The complaint against Mr. Adom Otchere was filed by Sacut Amenga-Etego, who alleged that Mr. Adom Otchere had used public funds for the Christmas decorations at KIA. However, CHRAJ’s investigation did not reveal any evidence of Mr. Adom Otchere benefiting from the procurement breaches or committing any criminal offense. As a result, the relief sought, which included surcharging Mr. Adom Otchere and recommending his removal as Board Chairman, could not be granted.
In its report, CHRAJ made several observations and recommendations. It directed Mr. Adom Otchere to refrain from interfering in the work of the GACL’s Management and restrict himself to his prescribed functions as Board Chairman. Additionally, CHRAJ called for an amendment to Act 663 to define ‘procurement’ in a manner consistent with legislation in other countries.
