Accra, June 8, GNA - The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) on Thursday concluded taking evidence from witnesses in connection with its investigations into certain allegations made against Dr Richard Winfred Anane, Minister of Transportation.

The Commission, which initiated the investigations through public hearing, took evidence from 10 witnesses.

CHRAJ began investigations following adverse media publications against the Minister and a petition sent by Mr Raymond Archer, Managing Editor of "The Enquirer" newspaper, to the Appointments Committee of Parliament, challenging the re-appointment of Dr Anane as Minister. After its preliminary investigations, the Commission constituted a three-member panel chaired by Ms Anna Bossman, Acting Commissioner, to get to the bottom of the matter with the help of independent witnesses. The Commission made it clear that by its constitutional mandate, it was conducting the investigations without any formal complaint and that the Minister, who was not a criminal, was being given the chance to clear his name.

The three main allegations made against Dr Anane were corruption; abuse of office and conflict of interest.

At the close of proceedings on Thursday, Ms Bossman announced that on July 7, the next adjourned date, Counsel on both sides would make oral submissions after which the Commission would fix a date for its ruling.

Dr Philip Ebow Bondzie-Simpson is the Counsel for the Commission while a five-member legal team led by Mr Jacob Acquah-Sampson is representing Dr Anane.