By Ashiadey Dotse
Lawyer and historian, Yaw Anokye Frimpong, has stressed that asset declaration is a crucial step in ensuring transparency and accountability in governance. He believes that when public officials declare their assets, it reassures citizens that government positions are not meant for personal wealth accumulation.
According to him, this constitutional requirement is an important tool in fighting corruption and building public trust in leadership.
“When people in government declare their assets, it reassures the public that governance is not an avenue for personal enrichment,” he said.
Lawyer Frimpong, in an interview with Thelma Tackie on Thursday, February 20, 2025, on GTV breakfast, explained that asset declaration includes both what a person owns and what they owe.
“It is important to know a public officer’s financial position before they assume office. This way, any sudden increase in wealth can be examined,” he said. He emphasised that the requirement is not just a rule set by Parliament but is enshrined in the Constitution, making it a fundamental part of governance.
He highlighted three key benefits of asset declaration. First, it promotes transparency by revealing the financial standing of public officials. Second, it ensures accountability by tracking how an official’s wealth changes while in office. He pointed out that if an official declares ownership of one house at the start of their tenure but ends up with multiple properties after leaving office, there should be a way to check how this happened. Lastly, he said asset declaration protects honest officials by proving that their wealth was earned legally, helping them avoid false accusations or legal troubles.
Despite its importance, Lawyer Frimpong noted that Ghana faces serious challenges in enforcing asset declaration laws. He explained that while the Constitution requires officials to declare their assets, there are no strong measures to ensure compliance.
The law does not mandate the Auditor-General to publish these declarations, nor does it impose clear penalties for those who fail to declare their assets. He also pointed out that if an official refuses to comply, the case is referred to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), which does not have the power to prosecute.
Comparing Ghana’s situation to other countries, Lawyer Frimpong said nations like Kenya, Tanzania, and Singapore take asset declaration more seriously. In these countries, public declarations can lead to investigations, and officials who cannot explain their wealth may face legal action.
He called for urgent reforms to make asset declaration more effective. He suggested that declarations should be made public and subjected to legal scrutiny. Without these improvements, he warned, corruption will continue to thrive. He urged policymakers to strengthen the laws and enforcement mechanisms to promote good governance and accountability.
