The Tribunal idea was contained in an amendment proposal to the
Financial Administrative Bill, now set for a second
consideration stage. He said the jurisdiction of the tribunal includes the
enforcement of recommendations of the Public Accounts Committee on the
Auditor-General reports as approved by Parliament.
The Public Accounts Committee, which chaired most of the time by the
Minority Leader has over the years lamented over Parliament's inability to
enforce recommendations of the Auditor-General on
At its draft stage, it proposes that a Justice of the High Court shall
be the chairperson, a Chartered Accountant and a Management Accountant or a
professional valuer as members. He said members shall
be nominated by the Chief Justice in consultation with the Judicial Council and
shall be appointed by the President.
"The terms and conditions of the members other than the Justice of
the High Court shall be stated in their letters of appointment." He said
the orders of the tribunal, "shall be enforced in
the same way as an order of the High Court."
Koi Larbi said
an order made such a tribunal, "shall not be taken as a conviction unless
the tribunal expressly directs". The member said the time had come for
Doe Adjaho, Minority Chief Whip, who led the opposers, said the idea conflicts with article 187 of the
constitution. He said anybody who would be arraigned before such a tribunal
could opt for the High Court and that could undermine the tribunal, adding
that, "in that case what takes precedence over the other."
Peter Ala Adjetey, Speaker ruled that
constitutional problems would not arise and that the proposal would even
strengthen Article 187. He said there was gap in the financial Administration
in the country and the proposal has the potential to fill it. Members agreed to
reconsider details of the amendment during the second consideration without
sacrificing the idea.
GRi…/
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