Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah rejects calls for Lifestyle Audit Law
His comments come after Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, revealed plans to introduce legislation formalizing lifestyle audits as a tool in Ghana's fight against corruption.
Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, has firmly opposed the proposal for a new law to introduce lifestyle audits, arguing that Ghana’s existing legal and institutional structures are already equipped to tackle corruption effectively.
His comments come after Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, revealed plans to introduce legislation formalizing lifestyle audits as a tool in Ghana's fight against corruption. The Speaker had suggested that the proposed law would serve as a crucial step toward curbing illicit wealth accumulation and promoting greater accountability.
However, during an appearance on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Mr. Baffour Awuah expressed his concern about creating redundant legislation. He emphasized that while he fully supports initiatives to combat corruption, introducing new laws in this area would be unnecessary and potentially counterproductive.
The MP pointed out that several state agencies, such as the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), already possess the legal mandate to investigate individuals whose lifestyles may indicate illicit financial activities. He noted that these agencies are already effectively conducting what could be considered lifestyle audits under existing frameworks.
“The GRA audits individuals in accordance with its legal mandate, and the CID investigates suspicious financial behavior. This is already happening without the need for a new law,” Mr. Baffour Awuah explained.
He further highlighted the work of the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), which has taken action on suspicious financial activities, including freezing bank accounts through court orders. He argued that these actions demonstrate that lifestyle audits are already taking place under the current legal powers, without the need for additional legislation.
Mr. Baffour Awuah also reminded the public that, while the Constitution protects the right to own property, it also allows for restrictions, particularly when investigating potential criminal activities.
The MP urged that the focus should be on reinforcing and empowering existing institutions to carry out their duties effectively, rather than introducing more bureaucratic layers. He stressed that any new law on lifestyle audits would raise more questions than it answers, given that the current system already has the necessary tools to address corruption.
