Dafeamekpor sues Railway Development Authority boss over post-retirement contract

South Dayi MP, Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor, has filed a suit against the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Railway Development Authority, Ernest Yao Owusu.

The legislator is questioning the validity of the extension of Mr Owusu’s post-retirement contract.

Mr Dafeamekpor argued that the constitution limits public servants’ engagement to a maximum of five years, with each engagement not exceeding two years.

According to him, Mr Owusu’s purported one-year contract extension, granted by President Akufo-Addo effective from December 18, 2023, to December 17, 2024, exceeds this limit.

The MP is seeking several reliefs, including a declaration that the CEO’s post-retirement contract extension is invalid and an order to revoke it.

He contends that the extension violates constitutional provisions regarding the duration of such contracts.

Additionally, Dafeamekpor highlights previous extensions granted to Mr Owusu, including a two-year extension effective from December 16, 2021, to December 15, 2023.

He cites government directives, such as the suspension of approvals for post-retirement contract appointments, except in cases of critical skill shortages, as outlined in the 2022 Budget Statement and Economic Policy.