John Mahama petitioned to remove Auditor-General over alleged constitutional breaches and misconduct

Pressure is mounting on Auditor-General Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu as civil society group, the Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA), has formally petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to begin the constitutional process to remove him from office.

The petition, delivered to the Jubilee House on Thursday, April 3, invokes Article 187(13) of the 1992 Constitution and outlines a string of serious allegations including misconduct, abuse of office, and violations of constitutional provisions. ASEPA says these actions amount to “high crimes” and warrant the Auditor-General’s immediate removal.

“The evidence we have presented clearly points to grave constitutional breaches and misconduct that cannot be ignored,” said ASEPA’s Executive Director, Mensah Thompson, who signed the petition.

Among the accusations, ASEPA cites:

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• The Auditor-General’s failure to comply with Supreme Court directives, an act the group describes as a high constitutional crime under Article 2(4).
• Collusion with the Audit Service Board to override Parliament‘s authority, violating Article 187(15).
• Unlawful retention of public funds, which they claim contravenes Section 17(2) of the Audit Service Act.
• Abuse of discretionary powers and cover-ups, which ASEPA says breach Article 296 of the Constitution.

According to ASEPA, the legal framework for removing the Auditor-General is identical to that for the Chief Justice, involving a petition to the President, who must then act in accordance with Article 146. “This is not a political witch-hunt,” Thompson clarified. “It is about accountability and protecting the sanctity of our constitutional offices.”

Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu, who was made the substantive Auditor-General in September 2021 following the controversial exit of Daniel Yaw Domelevo, had his tenure extended in June 2024 by former President Akufo-Addo—just weeks before his retirement date in August.

ASEPA’s move marks the first formal step in a process that could lead to the dismissal of one of the country’s top accountability officers. While the Presidency has yet to respond to the petition, ASEPA insists the issues raised are of national importance and must be addressed swiftly.

“We expect nothing less than a transparent and constitutionally sound process,” Thompson added. “The Auditor-General must be held to the highest standards of public service.”