CHRAJ boss' suspension is in order – Emile Short

Former Commissioner for the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Dr Emile Short, has described the suspension of current CHRAJ boss, Ms Lauretta Lamptey, as “standard procedure”.

Ms Lamptey was suspended Tuesday by President John Dramani Mahama on the advice of the Judicial Council and pursuant to Article 146 (10) (b) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

In a statement released Tuesday, the Chief of Staff, Prosper Bani, said: “The suspension follows the establishment of a prima facie case against Ms. Lamptey by the Chief Justice, and the setting up of a five (5)-member committee to investigate complaints made against her.

Speaking on Accra-based Joy FM Tuesday, Dr Short said the suspension was inevitable in view of the prima facie case, noting that there was the possibility of interferance with investigations if Ms Lamptey remained in office.

Dr Short said it was prudent that the recommendation for suspension came from the Judicial Council, which he said was conversant with the facts of the matter.

According to him, the suspension would ease the concerns of analysts and commentators on the image of CHRAJ as an anti-corruption body.

Ms  Lamptey, is under investigation “wrongfully” spending thousands of cedis on hotel accommodation.