President John Mahama
On February 18, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama took a significant step in promoting transparency by officially declaring his assets. This action aligns with Article 286 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which mandates public office holders to submit asset declarations to the Auditor-General’s office.
Presenting his Assets Declaration Forms to Auditor-General Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu, President Mahama emphasized the importance of this declaration in Ghana’s ongoing fight against corruption. Traditionally, he had submitted these forms privately, but this time he chose to make the process public. His intention is to set an example for his appointees and others required to declare their assets.
In his remarks, President Mahama stated, “I have taken the step of presenting these forms publicly as a way of injecting some openness and transparency into the process of asset declaration.” He believes that while punishing corruption is important, preventing it from happening in the first place is even more crucial. By making asset declarations public, he aims to foster a culture of accountability.
The president also set a deadline for his appointees, giving them until March 31, 2025, to declare their assets. He warned that those who fail to comply would face serious consequences, including potential removal from office. This call to action reinforces his commitment to ensuring that all public officials adhere to the standards of transparency expected of them.
President Mahama’s asset declaration is not just a legal obligation; it is a powerful statement about integrity in governance. By leading through example, he hopes to inspire others in positions of power to follow suit. This move may help build public trust in government institutions, which is essential for effective governance.
