A petition has been filed with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) seeking an investigation into President John Dramani Mahama over alleged conflict of interest and abuse of office linked to the takeover of the Damang mine by his brother, Ibrahim Mahama.

The petition, dated 20 May, was submitted by Emmanuel Senyo Amerkplenu and calls on CHRAJ to probe the circumstances surrounding the acquisition.

It argues that the transaction raises concerns under Articles 218(a) and 284 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which address abuse of office and conflicts of interest.

According to the petition, the takeover process received Cabinet approval and that Cabinet is chaired by President Mahama. It states that Ibrahim Mahama, the President’s biological brother, is alleged to be the beneficiary of the transaction.

The document also raises questions about the use of a private jet allegedly belonging to Ibrahim Mahama for presidential, vice-presidential and official travels.

It cites the medical transportation of the Vice President as an instance where the jet was used, saying the arrangement “raises serious issues of conflict of interest” and potential executive dependency.

“The concern is therefore not merely whether any direct financial benefit accrued, but whether the prevailing circumstances create a reasonable perception that official decisions of the President or the Executive may be compromised, influenced, or appear to be influenced by personal or familial considerations,” the petition states.

The petitioner asks CHRAJ to determine whether President Mahama declared any personal or family interest before Cabinet considered the takeover, whether the approval process met constitutional standards of transparency and accountability, and whether public officials improperly facilitated preferential treatment for Ibrahim Mahama or his entities.

Other questions include whether the continued use of the private jet creates an actual, potential or apparent conflict of interest inconsistent with Article 284, and whether the provision of aviation support for the Vice President’s medical evacuation raises ethical concerns.

The petition requests a full-scale investigation, access to Cabinet memoranda and minutes, and recommendations for sanctions or remedial measures if violations are found.