Former Auditor General Daniel Yaw Domelevo is urging President John Dramani Mahama to take immediate and decisive action against government officials who have failed to declare their assets in accordance with the law.

In a pointed critique on JoyNews’ News Desk programme on Wednesday, April 30, Domelevo described the widespread non-compliance as a display of “gross indiscipline and disrespect” towards the President.

His comments follow a report by The Fourth Estate which revealed that several high-ranking officials have yet to fulfil the constitutional obligation. Out of 55 ministers and deputy ministers, nine have failed to declare their assets. Additionally, eight out of 32 presidential staffers and 37 out of 84 heads of state institutions appointed between January 15 and March 18 have not complied with the President’s directive.

President Mahama had earlier submitted his asset declaration forms to the Auditor General on February 18 and issued a firm order to his appointees to follow suit by March, warning of sanctions for defaulters.

But Domelevo believes the failure to act against the defiant officials weakens the authority of the President and undermines efforts to promote transparency.

“The axe must fall immediately,” he demanded.

“If the team that is supposed to help the President manage the affairs of the country is so undisciplined, it shows a lack of respect for the President and his office.”

Referencing the President’s public commitment to accountability and the Chief of Staff’s accompanying directive, Domelevo insisted there must be no tolerance for disobedience.

“This is not how to reset a country,” he said.

“He should clear all of them; there are about 33 million Ghanaians and several capable people who can do the work.”

The legal framework guiding asset declaration is the Public Office Holders (Declaration of Assets and Disqualification) Act, 1998 (Act 550). The Act mandates public officials to declare their assets before assuming office, every four years, and at the end of their term—submitting the forms no later than six months after any of these events.

Importantly, Section 8 of the Act provides that allegations of non-compliance must be referred to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), which is empowered to investigate and take appropriate action.

Domelevo’s appeal comes at a time when public trust in state institutions is being tested. He insists that only a zero-tolerance approach will send the right message and support the President’s broader vision for good governance and accountability.

He concluded that the situation presents an opportunity for the President to act boldly and prove that leadership is rooted in the rule of law.

PUBLIC OFFICE HOLDERS (DECLARATION OF ASSETS AND DISQUALIFICATION) ACT 1998 (ACT 550)Download