The Alliance for Justice and Equality (AFJE), a civil society organization, has lodged a formal petition with President John Dramani Mahama, challenging the legitimacy of recent appointments within the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The petition alleges that the appointments of Mr. Benjamin Eshun as Director of General Services, Mr. Thomas A. Wilson as Director of Corporate Planning, and Mr. Akuamoah Boateng as Director of Air Traffic Services, were politically motivated and executed just prior to the change in government. AFJE contends that these individuals, purportedly affiliated with the New Patriotic Party, were appointed despite having reportedly failed interviews conducted by the Public Services Commission the previous year. The organization views these appointments as potentially undermining the principles of meritocracy and transparency within the GCAA, a crucial institution responsible for Ghana’s aviation safety and regulation. The petition calls for a thorough review of the appointments, a comprehensive investigation into the recruitment process, and full transparency from the GCAA’s Acting Director-General.
Central to AFJE’s argument is the timing and process of these appointments. The petition highlights a letter dated December 10, 2024, authorizing the appointments, a period very close to the government transition. This proximity, coupled with the appointees’ alleged political affiliations and previous failure to meet the Public Services Commission’s standards, raises concerns about potential undue influence and circumvention of established recruitment procedures. AFJE questions whether proper protocols were followed and whether the appointments truly served the best interests of the GCAA. The organization emphasizes the importance of upholding meritocratic principles in public appointments, ensuring that qualified individuals are selected based on their expertise and experience, rather than political connections. This, they argue, is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring the effective functioning of public institutions.
Further deepening their concerns, AFJE has called for a forensic audit of recent GCAA projects. This request stems from a broader suspicion of possible irregularities within the authority, including the potential use of fake or unaccredited professional qualifications. The organization believes that a comprehensive audit will shed light on the financial management and operational practices of the GCAA, ensuring accountability and identifying any potential misconduct. The call for an inquiry into the use of potentially fraudulent credentials underscores AFJE’s commitment to ensuring that individuals holding key positions within the GCAA possess the requisite qualifications and expertise to perform their duties effectively and maintain the integrity of the organization.
The petition, signed by AFJE’s Executive Director, Haruna Mohammed, and Secretary, Dr. Eric Derrick Antwi, has been widely disseminated, with copies sent to key government officials including the Vice President, Chief of Staff, and Minister for Transport. This wide distribution aims to bring maximum attention to the alleged irregularities and ensure that the matter is thoroughly investigated at the highest levels of government. AFJE seeks to hold the relevant authorities accountable and ensure that appropriate action is taken to address the concerns raised in their petition. This proactive approach reflects the organization’s commitment to transparency and good governance within Ghana’s public institutions.
AFJE’s campaign extends beyond this specific case and forms part of their broader mission to promote justice, transparency, and meritocracy within Ghanaian society. The organization frames their actions within the context of the government’s “RESET Agenda,” a program presumably focused on reforming and strengthening public institutions. By aligning their efforts with the government’s stated priorities, AFJE seeks to contribute to a broader national effort to enhance governance and promote ethical practices within the public sector. This broader perspective underscores the organization’s commitment to systemic change and its belief that addressing specific instances of potential misconduct can contribute to a wider culture of accountability and transparency.
The petition, therefore, serves as a call to action, urging the government to uphold its commitment to the “RESET Agenda” by thoroughly investigating the alleged irregularities within the GCAA. AFJE emphasizes that restoring public trust in public institutions requires not only identifying and addressing potential misconduct but also implementing measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The organization’s ultimate goal is to contribute to a more just and equitable society where merit and transparency are the guiding principles for public appointments and institutional operations. Their actions reflect a belief in the power of civil society to hold government accountable and contribute to positive change within the nation.
