Former MP calls for merger of CHRAJ, SFO

Mr. Ken Kumfah, a former Member of Parliament for the Lawra-Nandom Constituency, in the Upper West Region, has proposed that the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) be merged to function as one body.

Under such a body, the SFO should be responsible for carrying out the investigative functions while CHRAJ administers the justice.

Mr. Ken Kumfah said this during the Regional hearings and consultation series of the Constitution Review Commission at Wa, in the Upper West Region.

He also proposed that the tenure of office for the Presidency should be extended from four to five years, adding that, the present four years was too short for the President to fulfill his promises to the people.

Mr. Kumfah was of the opinion that District Chief Executives (DCEs) should still be appointed and not elected to guarantee their loyalty to the President towards the execution of development programmes in line with a President’s agenda.

Mr. Edward Kofi Owusu, Acting Regional Director of the Ghana Immigration Service, called for the inclusion of the Director General of the Ghana Immigration Service in the National Security Council because the service also plays an important role in safeguarding national security.

Mr. Jabuni Daah, an Officer of CHRAJ, was of the opinion that the decentralization system in Ghana would not function effectively if assembly members were not paid proper allowances to boost their moral to give of their best.

Some students from the Wa Polytechnic also suggested that those above 60 should not contest the Presidency just as the constitution bars those under 40 to run for the position.

They also proposed that a minimum academic qualification be set as one of the criteria for candidates.

Source: GNA