Ghana’s asset declaration laws ‘deliberately weakened’ to shield public officials – Domelevo

Former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo has criticised Ghana’s asset declaration laws, arguing that they have been deliberately weakened to allow public officials to evade accountability.

Speaking on Joy News on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, he accused lawmakers and the executive of failing to strengthen the legal framework for asset declarations, making it easy for officials to conceal ill-gotten wealth.

Domelevo pointed out inconsistencies between Ghana’s Constitution and Act 550, which governs asset declarations.

He said while the Constitution requires public officials to declare their assets before assuming office, the law grants them up to six months after taking office—a contradiction he believes creates loopholes for corruption.

“Since 2020, nothing has been done to amend the law because it does not serve the interest of the political class,” he stated. “Just as they have failed to pass the Conduct of Public Office Holders Bill, they have also ignored calls to fix this inconsistency.”

The Conduct of Public Office Holders Bill, meant to regulate ethical standards in public service, has been stalled for years. Domelevo insisted that without stronger laws, the country’s fight against corruption would remain ineffective.

His remarks came on the same day President John Mahama declared his assets—an action Domelevo commended but said was insufficient without mechanisms for independent verification.

He called for public officials’ assets to be published and subjected to scrutiny. “They say if they declare their assets publicly, their constituents will question how they acquired so much wealth. That alone tells you there’s something to hide,” he stated.

Domelevo also criticised Mahama’s proposed March 31 deadline for asset declarations, arguing that it contradicts the constitutional mandate for declarations to be made before assuming office.

“The Constitution is clear: asset declarations must be done before taking office. Any law that allows it to be done later is unconstitutional,” he insisted.

He urged Ghana’s leaders to prioritise accountability by ensuring timely, transparent, and enforceable asset declarations, warning that failure to do so would continue to fuel corruption within the public sector.