Rumor Mill of Thursday, 28 September 2006

Source: jfm

Dr. Anane To Be Sacked This Friday?

The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Joe Ghartey, will announce government’s position on recommendations to sack the Transportation Minister, Dr. Richard Anane on Friday. The Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) proposed Dr. Anane’s removal from office two weeks ago after it found him guilty of perjury, conflict of interest and abuse of office.

Government sources say Dr. Anane might be sacked. A news conference to be addressed by the A-G would also unveil details of the Georgina Wood Committee’s work into the recent cocaine scandals that have rocked the nation.

Signals picked from the presidency indicate President John Kufuor wants to end all speculations on government’s reaction to the two reports hence the press conference. CHRAJ recommend the dismissal of the Transportation Minister followed months of a public enquiry into the circumstances under which he (Dr. Anane) transferred tens of thousands of dollars to his American mistress, Alexandra O’Brien.

There are strong indications that the news conference will announce Dr. Anane’s dismissal from office that is if he doesn’t resign before tomorrow. Sources indicate the President is faced with a dilemma of keeping his faithful pal and protecting the image of the party.

According to insiders, Dr. Anane’s lawyers could have a leeway to flaw CHRAJ’s recommendations in court but the government will bite the bullet in the interim

The Attorney-General is also expected to make public recommendations made by the Georgina Woode Committee which investigated the loss of parcels of cocaine on a vessel and allegations that senior Police officers collected bribes to foil the prosecution of some suspected Venezuelan drug barons.

The report, according to joy sources has recommended the prosecution of all persons present at the meeting held at the residence of ACP Kofi Boakye on the missing parcels of cocaine aboard the vessel, MV Benjamin. The Statesman newspaper today reports that the Committee could, however, not link the people at the meeting, who are currently in prison custody, to the missing cocaine.

According to the paper, however, the Committee recommended that a lot was said at the meeting that could be used against the participants including ACP Boakye in court. The paper also reports that its sources could not confirm the rumours that the Inspector-General of Police, Patrick Acheampong would be dismissed.

The Attorney-General and the government team would set all the records straight tomorrow baring any last minute hiccups!