EC Finance Director decline to proceed on leave for EOCO investigations

The Director of Finance at the Electoral Commission (EC), Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah, has indicated he will not proceed on leave as directed by the Chairperson of the EC, Mrs Charlotte Osei to pave way for investigations into the loss of monies in the EC staff Endowment Fund.

According to him, he was not the Director of Finance nor was he in any position to influence management’s decision regarding financial administration of the Endowment Fund during the period of the alleged loss.

“I wish to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 5 July directing me to proceed on leave pending the EOCO investigation into an alleged loss of about GHc480,000 from the staff Endowment Fund.“

“As you are aware, I wish to state on record again that I was neither at post as Director of Finance nor was I in any position to influence management’s decision regarding financial administration of the Endowment Fund during the period of the alleged loss.,” Dr Asamoah wrote in a response to a letter dated July 5, Mrs Osei wrote asking him to proceed on leave.

He added: “I am, therefore, in no position to influence the integrity of the investigation as stated in your letter while at post since I have no involvement in the alleged loss. Madam, assuming without admitting that officers who inherit problems they have no knowledge of from their predecessor are made to proceed on leave, then on the principle of fairness, all management staff in the same position must equally proceed on leave. I wish to courteously submit that subsequent to my assumption of duty as Director of Finance, there has not been any incident of the same or similar nature.”

Read also: EC Deputy Chair asked to proceed on leave for EOCO investigations into missing funds

EOCO has commenced investigations into alleged misapplication of staff endowment funds at the Electoral Commission (EC).

Consequently, the Deputy Chairperson in Charge of Corporate Services, Georgina Opoku Amankwah, has been asked to proceed on leave.

Also asked to proceed on leave is the Chief Accountant, Mr Kwaku Owusu Agyei-Larbi and Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah, the Director of Finance.

EOCO in a letter dated, July 4, 2017 addressed to the EC Chairperson, Mrs Charlotte Osei demanded that the three be made to proceed on leave to pave way for investigations into “the loss of about GH¢480,000 from the Endowment Fund at the Electoral Commission.”

The letter said the three were key persons to assist with the investigations.

The money was allegedly withdrawn from the Endowment Fund of the EC between 2012 and 2013.

In response to EOCO’s request, the EC Chair, Mrs Charlotte Osei, wrote on Wednesday July 5, 2017, saying: “As you are aware, the Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) is investigating the loss of about GHc480,000 from the staff Endowment Fund.

"Pursuant to this investigation, EOCO has requested that I direct you to proceed on leave while the investigation proceeds. This is to ensure the integrity of the investigation.

"During the period of your leave, please be advised that you are not to undertake any business on behalf of the commission or access any information from the commission until the investigations are concluded. By this letter, may I ask you to proceed on leave immediately,” the letter said.

Dr Asamoah therefore responded and explained he will not proceed on leave.