Mahama Warns Appointees …Declare Your Assets Now!

A stern warning has been issued to all appointees under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration to as a matter of urgency declare their assets by the end of April 2025 or face severe sanctions including removal from office, President John Mahama has warned.

The President made this declaration on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, after officially submitting his assets to the Auditor-General, Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu, at the Jubilee House.

Following the submission, Mahama delivered a brief but firm speech, urging his appointees to comply with the constitutional requirement of asset declaration.

He emphasized that this measure was essential for enhancing transparency and strengthening the fight against corruption.

“I have also taken this step to send an unmistakable signal to all public office holders, especially those that I have appointed that I take the declaration of assets very seriously and expect full compliance from them.

“I have asked the Chief of Staff to send word to all appointees to ensure that they declare their assets by the end of the first quarter of this year, that is by 31st March 2025. I wish to stress that any appointee failing to meet the deadline will face severe sanctions, not excluding removal from office.”

The President’s move reinforces his administration’s commitment to accountability and good governance, ensuring that public officials uphold integrity in the discharge of their duties.

Mahama’s directive aligns with Article 286 of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates public officials to declare their assets upon assumption of office.

President Mahama declaration of assets is a significant move aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in public office.

The asset declaration, a requirement under Ghana’s Public Office Holders (Declaration of Assets and Disqualification) Act, provides a detailed account of Mahama’s financial holdings, properties, and other assets.

In a brief statement, Mahama emphasised the importance of transparency in rebuilding public trust.

“In times past, I would privately present these forms to the Auditor General in fulfillment of my statutory obligation. I have taken the step of presenting these forms publicly as a way of injecting some openness and transparency into the process of asset declaration.

“I have maintained that while it is all well and good to punish corruption, a more effective way of addressing the canker is preventing it from occurring in the first place.

“I honestly believe that if properly created and enforced, the asset declaration can become a sustainable tool for tackling corruption,” he stated.