Former Data Protection boss sues gov’t, others for wrongful dismissal

Former Executive Director of the Data Protection Commission, Teki Akuetteh Falconer, has sued a host of government agencies and appointees for her removal from office in 2017.

She has sued the Attorney General, Gloria Akuffo, the Ministry of Communications and its Minister, Ursula Owusu Ekuful and the Data Protection Commission. 

She argues her removal from office in July 2017 was against the 1992 Constitution, the Data Protection Act 2012 and the Labour act 2003 (Act 651), among others.

Summary of case

Teki Akuetteh Falconer argues that although she went through the laid down constitutional processes to assume office as the Chief Executive of the Data Protection Commission, she was unconstitutionally removed from office under the Nana Akufo-Addo-led government.

– She also wants the Court to consider the role she played in setting up the Commission and how she went months without a salary before she was later compensated for her efforts.

Reliefs

She is, therefore, seeking the following reliefs:

– A declaration that the letter issued by  Ursula Owusu Ekuful purporting to terminate appointment as Executive Director of the Data Protection Commission is in violation of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana as well as Public Services Commission Act,1994 (Act  482), the Data Protection Act, 2012 (act 843) and the Labour Act 2003 (act 651), among others and as such void and no effect whatsoever.

– A  declaration that the subsequent purported appointment of another person to replace her in the said position is also unlawful and has caused financial loss to the state.

– An order directing the Defendants to pay her all compensation, entitlements and benefits due her under the terms of contracts.

– Interest on any amount found due to her at the going commercial rate due date till the date of final payment.

– General and exemplary damages for unlawful interferences with her contract of service.

– An order surcharging any person or persons found responsible for willful violation of the 1992 Constitution and the laws of the country with any financial loss caused to the state as a result of the Defendants unlawful conduct.