Due process is not a technicality – Jinapor slams govt over Alima Mahama audit row

Ranking Member of Parliament, Samuel A. Jinapor, has criticized the Mahama administration for bypassing due process and publicly accusing individuals of wrongdoing before legal proceedings are concluded. Jinapor, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, emphasized that accountability should adhere to the law, not be used for political gain.

His remarks came following Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa's request for former Ghanaian Ambassador to the United States, Hajia Alima Mahama, to refund funds allegedly linked to an audit of the Ghana Embassy in Washington D.C. The minority party questioned the legal grounds for Ablakwa's demand, arguing that only the Auditor-General has the authority to disallow and surcharge funds following an audit.

Jinapor cited Article 187 of the Constitution, which outlines the Auditor-General's role and authority. He questioned Ablakwa's authority in requesting the refund and highlighted that individuals have 60 days to pay the surcharge or appeal to the High Court. The Minority also expressed concern over Mahama's claim that she was not given a chance to respond to the audit findings, as she alleged the auditors did not contact her to address any issues.

Jinapor stressed that due process requires a hearing before conclusions are reached and that the former Ambassador should not be guiltily pronounced without her input. He also raised questions about the timing of the request to refund funds from 2019 to 2025 when Mahama's tenure did not cover the entire period. Jinapor noted that the Special Audit Report had not yet been presented to Parliament, as required by the Audit Service Act.

He accused Ablakwa of attributing personal liability to Mahama without a hearing, a surcharge, or a finalized audit report, implying a pattern of ignoring due process under the current administration. The Minority Caucus, Jinapor stated, would support lawful efforts to recover public funds but would insist on adhering to constitutional and legal procedures.