CHRAJ proposes full scale investigation into Anane?s case

The Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) says a full-scale enquiry should be instituted into allegations that Roads Transport Minister Richard Anane transferred funds above his known and declared income to his concubine in America.

Dr. Anane was engulfed in controversy in February this year over publications that he transferred 90,000 dollars to Alexandra O?Brien with who bore him a son.

Early this year, the Chronicle also reported that Dr. Anane had charged two state institutions-the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and the Ministry of Roads Transport-for expenses incurred by Ms O?Brien when he traveled to Montreal in Canada, on an official assignment.

CHRAJ boss, Anna Bossman told journalists that first round checks have shown that a thorough hearing is required to the allegations of corruption and conflict of interest against Dr. Anane.

?It has taken us a while to conduct these investigations. I know that people are probably skeptical because investigations are slow but we have to remember that CHRAJ operates on the principles of natural justices and people must be given an opportunity to defend themselves. The reason why I can speak about the Anane case is because hearing notices has been sent to him and to other witnesses and then we shall proceed from there,? she said.

Ms Bossman also commented on the current debate about the President?s alleged involvement in raising funds for the ruling party from contractors.

?Our main objective is to see how certain actions by public officers or by government affect the rights of people. So we are very interested in issues of public contracts, what adverse effect do these contracts have on development. So we look at things that way. Talking about impeachment and etc is rather too early in the day, don?t jump, investigations are necessary,? she said.