Stricter checks needed on public officials’ asset declarations-Auditor-General
He made the remarks after receiving President John Mahama’s asset declaration forms on Tuesday, February 18.
The Auditor-General, Johnson Akuamoah-Asiedu, has called for more rigorous measures to verify the asset declarations of public officials, highlighting the challenges in ensuring the accuracy of submitted information.
He made the remarks after receiving President John Mahama’s asset declaration forms on Tuesday, February 18. He expressed concerns about whether officials fully disclose all their financial assets and properties, pointing out that the current system lacks a mechanism to confirm the completeness of these declarations.
Akuamoah-Asiedu explained that the Audit Service primarily reviews the forms for completeness, checking for missing details such as undisclosed bank balances or blank sections. He noted that some officials list their banks but fail to include account balances, requiring follow-ups for clarification.
Additionally, the Auditor-General expressed support for making asset declarations publicly accessible, arguing that such transparency would help citizens track changes in officials' wealth throughout their time in office.
His comments follow President Mahama’s decision to publicly submit his asset declaration, a move aimed at promoting greater openness in governance.
The President also urged public officials to comply with asset declaration laws, warning that those who fail to do so by March 31, 2025, will face strict penalties, including possible dismissal.
Mahama further proposed constitutional amendments to reinforce the asset declaration process, advocating for mandatory public disclosure both before and after an official's tenure.
Akuamoah-Asiedu welcomed these proposed reforms, reaffirming the Audit Service’s commitment to enhancing transparency and improving the verification process for asset declarations.
