Free Zones CEO Mary Awusi faces CHRAJ petition over alleged misconduct

A petition has been filed before the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) requesting an investigation into alleged misconduct involving the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Mary Awusi.

The petition, submitted by Prince Owusu Bonnah and Christiana Acheampong, accuses Dr Awusi of allegedly using official working hours for media appearances and participating in discussions that petitioners claim fall outside the official mandate of the Ghana Free Zones Authority.

According to the petitioners, CHRAJ should investigate whether the alleged conduct amounts to administrative impropriety, abuse of office, breach of public service ethics, or misuse of public resources and official time.

In the petition, they requested the Commission to determine:

“Whether the conduct described constitutes a misuse of official time and public resources; whether the actions of Dr Mary Awusi amount to a breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers; and whether such conduct constitutes administrative impropriety or abuse of office.”

One of the specific incidents cited allegedly occurred on April 23, 2026, when Dr Awusi reportedly participated in a live discussion programme on Accra FM.

According to the petition, the radio programme involved commentary on national matters and remarks concerning religious leadership, including references to Eric Kwabena Nyamekye, Chairman of The Church of Pentecost.

The petitioners argue that participation in such discussions during official working hours may not align with the responsibilities and institutional mandate of the Ghana Free Zones Authority.

They further contend that repeated media appearances unrelated to the Authority’s operations could expose the institution to reputational risk and potentially undermine public confidence in its leadership.

According to the petition, the alleged actions involve repeated engagement in media discussions unrelated to institutional duties, possible diversion of official working time, and potential misuse of state resources.

The petitioners maintain that if established, such conduct could amount to violations of ethical standards expected of public officials under Ghana’s constitutional and administrative framework.

The petition references provisions of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution relating to the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, as well as CHRAJ’s constitutional mandate to investigate allegations involving abuse of office, administrative injustice, and improper conduct by public officials.

The petitioners are therefore asking CHRAJ to determine whether the allegations constitute misconduct and to take any action deemed appropriate under the law.

They also urged the Commission to provide broader guidance to public officials on balancing media participation with official responsibilities during working hours.

According to the petitioners, the complaint was filed in the public interest to promote accountability, professionalism, and discipline within Ghana’s public service institutions.

The petition reportedly includes supporting materials such as video recordings of some of the cited media appearances to assist CHRAJ in its investigations and deliberations.