55 Mahama appointees defy asset declaration deadline – Report

Despite President John Mahama's commitment to transparency, 55 appointees have not declared their assets. They missed the March 31 deadline.

An investigation by The Fourth Estate found that 32 percent of new officials failed to comply. This includes nine ministers and deputy ministers, eight presidential staffers, and 37 heads of state institutions. These appointments were made between January 15 and March 18, 2025.

Notable defaulters include Seth Terkper, Larry Gbevlo-Lartey, and Nathan Kofi Boakye. Others are Charles Kipo, Nana Yaa Jantuah, and Ernest Brogya Gyamfi. Also on the list are Alhassan Suhuyini, Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui, John Dumelo, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, and Dr. Peter Otukunor.

President Mahama previously demonstrated his commitment by filing his own declaration on February 18. He submitted it to Auditor-General Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu at Jubilee House.

He directed all appointees to declare their assets by March 31, warning of severe sanctions for non-compliance. “I take asset declaration seriously,” he stated.

The requirement for public officers is outlined in Article 286 of the Constitution. Public officials must declare assets when they assume office and every four years thereafter.

Mahama’s gesture aimed to promote accountability within his government. He emphasized the importance of demonstrating transparency to the public.

However, findings indicate a gap between the president's intentions and some officials' actions. This raises concerns about enforcing transparency standards internally.

“Even as we hold past governments accountable, we must enforce anti-corruption laws now,” Mahama said. He stressed that fighting corruption is crucial for using resources wisely for Ghanaians' benefit.

It remains unclear what actions will be taken against those who did not comply with the directive. The president's credibility on anti-corruption may hinge on his next steps.