Former Auditor-General of Ghana, Daniel Yao Domelevo, has praised President John Dramani Mahama for instructing his appointees to declare their assets, describing the move as a positive step toward promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Thursday, January 23, Domelevo emphasized the importance of asset declarations in fostering public trust. However, he noted that the directive, though commendable, should have been enforced before the appointees were sworn into office.
“If I were the president—thankfully, I’m not—I would have required them to declare their assets and liabilities immediately after their vetting and before they were sworn in,” Domelevo stated. He argued that such a measure would have sent a stronger signal about the government’s commitment to good governance and set a higher bar for public officials.
Domelevo’s comments were in response to President Mahama’s directive on Wednesday, January 22, during the swearing-in ceremony of six new ministers. The President urged the appointees to fulfill the asset declaration requirement, stressing its importance for ethical governance.
While acknowledging the directive as a step in the right direction, Domelevo cited the legal framework for asset declaration and called for its stricter enforcement. He urged government institutions, particularly the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), to proactively ensure compliance with the law.
“Proactive enforcement of asset declaration laws will deter corruption and bolster confidence in the governance system,” Domelevo said.
The former Auditor-General also encouraged President Mahama to institutionalize a policy mandating pre-swearing-in asset declarations for all future appointees. According to him, this would serve as a vital tool in Ghana’s fight against corruption.
“This simple yet powerful measure can lay the foundation for a more accountable government,” he concluded.
SOURCE: http://dew360.net
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