Since the Fourth Republic began in 1992, Ghana’s asset declaration law has been a key part of the country’s fight against corruption. The idea is simple—public officials must declare their wealth to prevent illicit enrichment. In reality, the law does little more than collect dust in sealed envelopes.
Now, with President John Mahama open to tougher rules and the Auditor-General backing reforms, there is a rare chance to turn this symbolic gesture into a real tool against corruption.
A System Built on Trust—Maybe Too Much
Ghana’s asset declaration law is based on Article 286 of the 1992 Constitution and Act 550 of 1998. But as with many laws, the problem lies in the details—and the loopholes.
The law covers a wide range of public officials—everyone from the President and Members of Parliament to judges, ministers, and heads of state-owned enterprises. These officials must declare their assets before they take office, every four years, and when they leave. The declarations are handed over to the Auditor-General in sealed envelopes, which remain closed unless there’s an official investigation.
Act 550 adds another wrinkle: it gives officials six months to comply—a grace period critics say is plenty of time to shuffle around any questionable wealth.
The system is supposed to help the state track public officials’ wealth and detect any suspicious spikes. In practice, it relies on a rather optimistic assumption: that those who have something to hide will admit it. With the declarations kept secret, there is little room for public scrutiny—or awkward questions.
The Envelope, Please
The biggest flaw? No one checks if the declarations are true. The Auditor-General cannot verify the information, meaning there are no audits, no cross-checks, no questions. If an official “forgets” to mention a luxury mansion or a secret offshore account, no one will know.
Critics argue that keeping these declarations secret undermines the whole point. Many are pushing for public disclosure, as done in the United States and Canada, where anyone can view officials’ declared assets online. Supporters say this would make it harder for public servants to quietly enrich themselves. Opponents worry it could expose officials to harassment or political targeting—but many agree that a secret system is not much of a safeguard.
Other proposed fixes include more frequent declarations and passing a Public Officers Bill to enforce stricter controls on wealth accumulation. The constitutional review committee set up by former president Akufo-Addo has also recommended giving the Auditor-General power to verify declarations and issue official certificates confirming their accuracy.
A Chance for Real Change
With President Mahama in his final term—and one of the few leaders willing to push for constitutional changes—the moment is right for reform. Strengthening the asset declaration system would not only boost his legacy but also restore some public trust in government.
The challenge is finding the right balance between transparency and privacy. Public disclosure could expose officials to personal risks, but keeping the current system only protects those who have something to hide.
If Ghana is serious about fighting corruption, it cannot rely on sealed envelopes and blind faith. Stronger rules and open declarations would send a clear message: public service is not a path to private riches. After all, honest officials should have nothing to worry about—unless, of course, they do.
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