Asset Declaration: President’s move is commendable – Prof Agyeman-Duah

Former United Nations Senior Governance Advisor, Prof. Baffour Agyeman-Duah, has welcomed President John Dramani Mahama’s recent action against government appointees who failed to comply with asset declaration regulations. He described the move as a “good beginning” and an important step in the right direction.

Presidential Sanctions for Non-Compliance

This follows President Mahama’s directive targeting appointees who missed the March 31 deadline for declaring their assets. As a penalty, these appointees are to forfeit three months’ salary, which will be donated to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund. Additionally, the President has issued a stern warning that any appointee who fails to comply by May 6, 2025, faces outright dismissal.

A Positive Step Despite Initial Gaps

Speaking during an interview on Monday, May 5, Prof. Agyeman-Duah said he was “quite pleased” with the initiative, even though it fell short of his initial expectations.

“I’m happy that he’s taken this step. It might not be what we expected, especially since in his first announcement, he seemed to have said if you don’t do it by March, you’d be gone,” he remarked.

Commendation for Firm Action

The governance expert further applauded the decision to withhold salaries from non-compliant officials, describing it as a firm and commendable approach.

“Punishing them with foregoing their salaries for two or three months—I think it’s a good beginning. So, I’m happy that the President has taken this tough stance,” he added.