Mahama should’ve asked his appointees to declare their assets before taking office–Domelevo

Daniel Yaw Domelevo, the former Auditor General of Ghana, has expressed his support for President John Dramani Mahama’s recent call for government appointees to declare their assets. However, Domelevo also suggested that this requirement should have been enforced before the appointees were officially sworn into office.

He made these remarks during an interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Thursday, January 23, 2025, where he emphasized the vital role that asset declarations play in promoting transparency and accountability within the public sector.

Domelevo’s comments came in response to a directive issued by President Mahama on Wednesday, January 22, during the swearing-in ceremony of six newly appointed ministers. In his address, the President urged the appointees to declare their assets as part of a broader effort to strengthen public trust in the government and ensure that ethical standards are adhered to by those in positions of power.

While Domelevo acknowledged the President’s initiative, he argued that the requirement for asset declarations should have been implemented earlier in the process, specifically before the ministers were officially sworn in. He pointed out that, according to the law, asset declaration is a mandatory requirement for public officials, and the process should be completed before any official duties are undertaken.

Domelevo stated, “If I were the president, thankfully I am not the president, but I would have told them, after going through vetting and all of that, go and declare your assets and liabilities before I swear you in.” He emphasized that requiring appointees to declare their assets before being sworn in would not only comply with legal obligations but also signal a stronger commitment to good governance.

Domelevo further argued that implementing asset declarations before swearing-in would have set a higher standard for public officeholders and demonstrated a proactive approach to upholding integrity and accountability. According to him, asset declaration is a crucial tool for curbing corruption and ensuring that public officials are held to the highest ethical standards.

The former Auditor General also raised concerns about the enforcement of asset declaration laws in Ghana. He stressed the need for a more effective and proactive approach to ensuring compliance with these laws.

Domelevo specifically called on the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the body responsible for overseeing asset declarations, to take a more active role in monitoring and enforcing the law. He noted that strengthening enforcement mechanisms would not only deter corrupt practices but also build greater confidence in the governance system.

Domelevo concluded by urging President Mahama to institutionalize a policy requiring all appointees to declare their assets before being sworn into office.

He argued that this straightforward measure could become a foundational element in Ghana’s ongoing efforts to fight corruption and promote greater transparency in government. “This simple yet powerful measure can serve as a cornerstone in Ghana’s fight against corruption and set the tone for a more accountable government,” he said.

In summary, while Domelevo praised President Mahama’s decision to mandate asset declarations for his appointees, he stressed that this requirement should have been made a prerequisite before the swearing-in process.

He called for stronger enforcement of asset declaration laws and recommended the institutionalization of pre-swearing-in asset declarations for future government appointments.

By doing so, Domelevo believes the government could take a significant step toward ensuring a more accountable and transparent public sector, which is essential for the country’s long-term development and the fight against corruption.