Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has issued a firm directive to all government appointees to declare their assets by March 31, 2025, or face removal from office. This move comes as part of the administration’s commitment to uphold transparency and accountability in the public sector.
President Mahama, after submitting his own asset declaration forms to the Auditor-General on February 18, 2025, addressed the nation at Jubilee House, reiterating his administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards non-compliance with asset declaration laws. He stressed that public officials have a legal obligation to declare their assets when assuming office, every four years, and at the end of their tenure under Article 286(1) of the 1992 Constitution, and the Public Office Holders (Declaration of Assets and Disqualification) Act.
“I believe many public officials may not be fully aware of their legal responsibility to declare assets, so it is critical that the Auditor-General reminds them of this,” Mahama said. He underscored that the move would ensure greater integrity in public service and reduce corruption.
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, confirmed the March 31 deadline, stating that appointees have had ample time to comply with the asset declaration requirements. The deadline is seen as an effort to promote accountability and prevent public officials from accumulating unexplained wealth during their tenure.
While Ghana’s asset declaration system has faced criticism for lacking transparency, President Mahama acknowledged these concerns and expressed his intention to reform the process. “We are committed to making asset declarations public to allow citizens to scrutinize the wealth of public officials and ensure that no one amasses wealth through corrupt practices,” he said.
Ghana’s asset declaration system has long been a point of contention, with calls for increased transparency and the strengthening of laws to deter corruption among public office holders. The deadline set by President Mahama is expected to send a strong signal about his administration’s commitment to reducing corruption and fostering accountability.
The move comes as part of a broader effort to ensure transparency within the public service and improve trust in the country’s leadership. With the March 31, 2025 deadline fast approaching, government appointees are expected to submit their declarations, with the possibility of strict action against those who fail to comply.
