The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has been petitioned to the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) over what the complainant describes as selective and biased payment of ex gratia benefits to the Speaker and Members of Parliament, while excluding officials who served in the executive arm of government.
The complaint was filed by Ghanaian citizen and broadcast journalist, Wilberforce Asare, who argues that the minister placed himself in a conflict of interest by authorising payments to Parliament—including himself—while ignoring other constitutional officeholders.
In a petition dated December 19 and addressed to CHRAJ Commissioner Joseph Akanjolenur Whittal, Asare outlined the jurisdiction of the commission, the facts of the case, and allegations of conflict of interest, discrimination, unfair administrative conduct, and abuse of discretion.
Citing Article 287(1) of the 1992 Constitution, the complainant noted that CHRAJ is empowered to investigate allegations of contravention by public officers. He further referenced Article 218, which mandates the commission to probe complaints of corruption, abuse of power, and unfair treatment.
Asare explained that his concerns arose from an investigation he began in October 2025 into end-of-service benefits under Article 71 of the Constitution. Correspondence from Parliament, signed by Clerk Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror on December 11, confirmed that the Speaker and MPs received two installments of their approved salaries in May and July 2025, covering the period from January 2021 to January 2025.
According to the petition, this disclosure confirmed that Article 71 emoluments were duly approved and paid, yet members of the former Executive, Council of State, and Judiciary remain unpaid despite being entitled under the same constitutional provisions.
The complainant argued that Dr. Forson, as both Finance Minister and sitting MP for Ajumako Enyan Esiam, directly benefited from the payments he authorised, thereby violating Article 284 of the Constitution, which prohibits public officers from placing personal interest above public duty.
He further alleged discrimination under Article 17, unfair administrative conduct under Article 23, and abuse of discretion under Article 296.
Asare is seeking reliefs including a full investigation into the minister’s conduct, findings of contravention where applicable, appropriate action under Article 287(2), and directives to restore constitutional compliance and fairness.
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