Moresby North-East MP, John Kaupa, is facing serious allegations of misconduct in office that could see him referred to a Leadership Tribunal, following a formal referral by the Ombudsman Commission to the Acting Public Prosecutor.
According to a media release from the Office of the Public Prosecutor, Mr. Kaupa was referred on March 20, 2026, by the watchdog after concerns were raised about his compliance with constitutional and legal obligations under Papua New Guinea’s leadership code.
Related news: https://www.nbc.com.pg/post/34063/kaupa-referred-to-public-prosecutor-over-misconduct-allegations
The referral centers on alleged breaches of Section 27(1) of the Constitution and Sections 4, 23, and 24 of the Organic Law on the Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership. These provisions require leaders to uphold integrity, transparency, and accountability in both public office and private dealings.
The Ombudsman Commission outlined three major allegations against the Moresby North-East MP:
1. False and Misleading Declarations
Kaupa is accused of providing false and misleading information in his annual statements submitted to the Ombudsman Commission over multiple years, specifically:
• 28 July 2016 to 27 July 2017
• 28 July 2017 to 27 July 2018
• 28 July 2018 to 27 July 2019
The statements allegedly overstated the value of portions of land he declared, with figures deemed excessive compared to their original purchase value.
2. Failure to Declare Business Interests
The second allegation relates to Kaupa’s failure to disclose his business connections and position, as well as those of his spouse, Josephine Kaupa.
The couple are reportedly linked to KJ General Cleaning and Maintenance Service, which was not declared in his annual statements for the following periods:
• 28 July 2016 to 27 July 2017
• 28 July 2017 to 27 July 2018
• 28 July 2018 to 27 July 2019
• 28 July 2019 to 27 July 2020
Such disclosures are mandatory under the Organic Law to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure transparency in leadership.
3. Double Dipping in Allowances
Kaupa is also alleged to have engaged in “double dipping” by accepting and using a vehicle owned by the National Capital District Commission (NCDC), while simultaneously receiving a Motor Vehicle Allowance as a member of the 2015–03 SRC Determination on Transport Entitlement.
Acting Public Prosecutor Helen Rola Kona confirmed that her office will now assess whether there is sufficient, credible, and cogent evidence to request the Chief Justice to appoint a Leadership Tribunal.
If established, the tribunal will formally inquire into the allegations and determine whether Kaupa is guilty of misconduct in office.