President Mahama must be decisive on non-asset declaration ministers, public officials-Ahenu

By Dennis Peprah

Sunyani, Jan. 28, GNA – International anti-corruption advocate, Mr Raphael Godlove Ahenu has called on President John Dramani Mahama to take decisive action against his ministerial-nominees and public officials who fail to declare their assets.

He said asset declaration by public officials remained critical in the fight against the growing menace of corruption and asked President Mahama to revoke the nominations and appointments of those ministers.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani, Mr Ahenu noted that public officials who refused to comply with the asset declaration requirement undermined public trust compromising the government’s effort to stem corruption.

“Asset declaration is not just a legal obligation; it is a moral duty for anyone entrusted with public office,” he stated, saying “failure to declare their assets raises questions about their integrity and intentions as public officers”.

“It’s therefore imperative for the President to take a bold decision and revokes the appointment of any appointee, or nominee or minister who does not adhere to that fundamental requirement,” Mr Ahenu suggested.

In his view, non-compliance could lead to a culture of impunity “where public officials feel emboldened to engage in corrupt practices without fear”.

Mr Ahenu lauded the commitment of President Mahama to stem corruption in his government, arguing that the establishment of the ‘Operation Recover All Loots’ (ORAL) was an indication that the President was ready indeed to control corruption in the country.

“Revoking the appointments of non-compliant officials will send a strong signal to the public that his government will not tolerate any form of corruption,” he stated, adding that “that will also further build and strengthen public trust and confidence and support the government in the fight against corruption”.

GNA