Anane may be reappointed

Richard Anane, the former Roads Transport Minister who resigned in December, may be re-instated in the pending cabinet reshuffle, sources closes to the Castle have told The Statesman.

Dr Anane was pronounced guilty of conflict of interest and perjury in September 2006, following an investigation by the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice. He resigned in the face of mounting public and party pressure to do so.

Yesterday, however, all CHRAJ decisions and recommendations against the MP for Nhyiaeso and former minister were announced invalid, after a Fast Track High Court in Accra ruled that the Commission had erred in instituting the investigation.

Although the annulment of the ruling means he is now cleared of all charges, CHRAJ has stated its intention to contest the ruling after studying it.

Meanwhile, there is already talk of his re-appointment as Minister.

The official line is one of caution. Speaking yesterday from London, Frank Agyekum, Government Spokesperson on Social Services, said that Dr Anane's decision to step down in December is a sign of the rule of law working in this country. He said that although it was a positive move to resign at Christmas, the latest ruling shows that he was not corrupt.

Asked about the alleged reinstatement, Mr Agyekum was quick to point out that such as decision lay only in the hands of the President, and that the reappointment would be President Kufuor's prerogative.

Also contacted by this newspaper yesterday, Andrew Awuni, Press Secretary to the President, was not yet aware of the developments, whilst D K Osei, Secretary to the President, said he was unable to comment.