President John Mahama has reminded his appointees—Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), and Deputy CEOs—of their obligation to comply with the Assets Declaration Law.
The Public Office Holders (Declaration of Assets and Disqualification) Act, 1998 (Act 550) mandates public officials to declare their assets and liabilities upon assuming office. The law aims to prevent corruption, detect illicit enrichment, and address conflicts of interest.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony for 13 Deputy Ministers and one Minister of State at the Presidency in Accra on Wednesday, Mahama urged the new appointees to promptly declare their assets.
“The amended law on assets declaration also covers CEOs and Deputy CEOs in government departments and agencies,” he said. “So, those rushing for positions must know they are covered by this rule and should declare their assets as quickly as possible.”
He further stated that he had instructed the Chief of Staff to write to all affected officials, reminding them to submit their declarations to the Auditor-General’s Office.
Mahama also highlighted the role of Madam Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba, the newly appointed Minister of State in charge of Public Sector Reform, stating that she would work under the Presidential Special Advisor on Governmental Affairs to drive reforms in Ghana’s public services.
He reminded the Deputy Ministers that while their role required professional subordination to their substantive ministers, they would be held to the same standards of accountability, diligence, and hard work.
“In view of this, the same cautions I give to Ministers—against arrogance, opulence, and neglect of duty—apply to you as well,” Mahama stressed. “You must also promptly fulfill your asset declaration requirements.”
He advised them to ensure all foreign travel met the “essential travel test” and received approval from the Office of the Chief of Staff.
“There are two clocks we hear,” Mahama noted. “For those of us elected by the people of Ghana, the clock is ticking on our four-year mandate. But for public service officers, their clock ticks towards retirement at 60. They may not be in as much of a hurry as you, so you must encourage and incentivize them to work at the pace of your mandate.”
On behalf of the inductees, Madam Akanvariba expressed gratitude to the President and pledged their commitment to supporting his agenda of resetting the nation.
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