The Member of Parliament (MP) for Garu, Dr. Thomas Anaba, has called for long-term accountability for politically exposed persons, asserting that political exposure should not be confined to the duration of an official’s term in office.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on March 5 announced that President John Mahama has directed the immediate reversal of all allocations and sales of land belonging to the ministry.
Speaking on state land acquisitions by public officials, the Garu MP emphasised that individuals in positions of power should remain subject to scrutiny even after their time in office.
“Politically exposed persons should remain under scrutiny until they die; it shouldn’t be limited to four years,” the MP stated.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, he further argued that public officeholders should never be allowed to use their political positions to acquire state properties, including land, houses, or vehicles.
“Once you choose to enter politics, understand that you should never have the power to acquire any state property in the future, whether land, vehicles, houses, or any other state assets,” Dr. Anaba remarked.
He also noted that politics should be seen as a service to the country rather than an avenue for personal gain.
“To me, politics is service,” he noted, adding that politicians should be held to a higher standard even after they leave office.
He also praised the president’s efforts to reverse these acquisitions, seeing it as an important step to ensure that current appointees understand the consequences of misusing their political power for personal enrichment.
“The president’s decision to reverse these land allocations is commendable. It sends a strong message to current appointees,” he concluded.