Asset declaration should be transparent and public – Movement for Change member criticises current practices

Rolaline Imoru Ayarna, a member of the Movement for Change, has criticised Ghana's asset declaration process, describing it as opaque and ineffective. 

She called for public access to asset declarations to enhance transparency and accountability in governance.

Speaking during a panel discussion on TV3 in Accra on Thursday, January 23, in response to President John Mahama's directive for newly appointed ministers to declare their assets, Imoru Ayarna expressed concerns about the secrecy surrounding the process.

"Ghanaians do not know the contents of those asset declarations. After four years, you're supposed to declare again, but we have no idea what was put in there initially or whether illicit properties were acquired. We simply don't know," she said.

Imoru Ayarna argued that the lack of public access to these declarations undermines the fight against corruption. 

She underscored the need for transparency, noting that public officials often acquire properties in the names of others, including children.

"There are young people coming up who may not have much and live in rented premises. What they've written, we don't know. In this country, we've seen people acquiring properties in the names of toddlers. How do we get to know?" she questioned.

To address these issues, she proposed that public officials disclose all assets openly, including details like house numbers and ownership information. 

She stressed that such transparency would enable citizens to scrutinise discrepancies and hold officials accountable.

"If you can ask someone at a vetting committee about their shares in a company or whether they live in a rented property, then what is left to hide? Let us begin to be transparent," she added.

Imoru Ayarna also called for lifestyle audits to track changes in the wealth of public officials during their tenure. 

"At the end of the four years, let us know what you've acquired in addition to what you came with. This will help us determine whether their lifestyle matches their income. It's a tool we can use to fight corruption," she stated.

Her remarks follow President John Mahama's directive at the swearing-in ceremony of six newly appointed ministers on Wednesday, January 22. 

The President urged his appointees to declare their assets as part of efforts to promote transparency in governance.

"I expect all of you to begin the process of declaring your assets," President Mahama said, adding that the Chief of Staff would soon announce a deadline for submissions. 

He reiterated his administration's commitment to tackling corruption by strengthening anti-corruption institutions and ensuring adherence to ethical governance standards.

"It cannot be business as usual," he warned, urging appointees to embrace fairness and openness in their conduct.

While Imoru Ayarna commended the President's directive as a step in the right direction, she maintained that additional measures are needed to ensure real accountability.

"There has to be some form of transparency for the Auditor-General to publish these declarations. It shouldn't be hidden in gazetted documents that are difficult to access unless an investigation is ongoing," she added.

Ghana's constitutional framework on asset declaration

Ghana's 1992 Constitution provides a legal framework for asset declaration to promote accountability and integrity among public officials. Article 286 mandates that certain categories of public officers, including the President, Vice President, Ministers, Members of Parliament, Judges, and others in positions of trust, declare their assets and liabilities.

Public officials are required to submit these declarations before assuming office, at the end of their tenure, and at any other time prescribed by law. The declaration must cover all assets and liabilities of the official, their spouse(s), and children under 18 years. These submissions are made in sealed envelopes to the Auditor-General, who acts as the custodian of the information.

However, the declarations remain confidential and can only be accessed under specific circumstances, such as through a court order or during investigations. This lack of public access has been criticised as a major weakness, limiting the effectiveness of the process in curbing corruption.

Advocates for reform have called for greater transparency, including the publication of asset declarations and the introduction of lifestyle audits to verify their accuracy. These reforms, they argue, would strengthen public trust and enhance the accountability of public officials.