'Akufo-Addo didn’t put cameras on it' - Micracles Aboagye dismisses Mahama’s asset declaration as political show

Former presidential staffer Dennis Miracles Aboagye is critical of President John Mahama’s recent asset declaration. He calls the attention around it “fanfare.”

Aboagye believes this is just old news in a new package. He stated, “What President Mahama has done is nothing new.”

He noted that he declared his assets twice, as did Nana Akufo-Addo. The difference, he said, is that Mahama used cameras for his declaration.

Mr. Aboagye coordinated local government and decentralization under the Akufo-Addo administration. He feels the excitement over Mahama's move is misplaced.

“It was the rule. We declared our assets,” he explained. He coordinated receipts for all MMDCEs across Ghana.

Aboagye recalled how strict the process was under Akufo-Addo’s leadership. “Ekow Essuman ensured it was done properly,” he said.

The former Chief of Staff often asked him about missing declarations from appointees. Aboagye emphasized that this isn’t about leadership novelty.

“It was a Cabinet decision,” he stated, but appointees didn’t film their submissions like Mahama did.

Beyond politics, Aboagye questioned the purpose of the current asset declaration system. “We should stop wasting time discussing it,” he argued.

He suggested either reforming or scrapping it entirely. “What’s the point?” he asked rhetorically.

Aboagye described filling out forms as frustrating and time-consuming. “I spent three weeks trying to understand it,” he said.

After declaring his assets twice, he wonders what happens next. “Nobody knows what I put in there.”

He criticized the forms as outdated and confusing with irrelevant sections. “It’s a chore to quantify assets in Ghana,” he added.

Aboagye expressed concern about updates after declarations are made. “If I dispose of an asset later, how do I update it?”

He believes there are no real checks or transparency in the system. “Honestly speaking, it’s a waste of my time.”