A Ghanaian journalist has taken legal action against the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), asking the court to compel the commission to investigate alleged misconduct involving former public officials, including the Anthony Yaw Ahiafor, Randy Abbey and Eugene Agalga.
In a writ filed at the High Court, the journalist accused CHRAJ of failing to act on petitions filed against the individuals, claiming that serious ethical and administrative issues have been left unaddressed. The petition names several other public figures alleged to have engaged in various forms of abuse of office, mismanagement or conduct unbecoming of government officials.
According to the court papers, the journalist insists that CHRAJ has a constitutional duty to investigate complaints about public office holders and that its failure to pursue these matters undermines accountability and public confidence in governance. He is asking the High Court to direct the commission to immediately commence a thorough probe into the allegations and report the findings.
Legal representatives for the journalist argued that the petition was properly lodged with CHRAJ months ago but has not been acted upon despite repeated follow-ups. They said the inaction by the commission reflects a dangerous precedent that allows alleged misconduct to go unchecked and unexamined.
CHRAJ has not yet issued a public response to the lawsuit, and it remains unclear whether the commission will file a defence in the matter. The case has attracted attention from civil society groups who say prompt investigation of alleged misconduct by public officials is essential to uphold the rule of law.
Experts say the outcome of the case could have broader implications for how oversight institutions are held accountable when their statutory duties are perceived to be neglected. The High Court is expected to set a date for hearing arguments from both parties in the coming weeks.
