Dismiss all appointees who have failed to declare their assets – Domelevo to Mahama

Daniel Domelevo, the former Auditor-General, has urged President John Dramani Mahama to dismiss appointees who have not declared their assets. He believes this failure shows gross indiscipline and disrespect.

Speaking on JOYNEWS, he said, “The axe must fall immediately. This is not how to reset a country.” He emphasized that undisciplined appointees lack respect for the President and his office.

Domelevo suggested that there are many capable Ghanaians who can replace them. Currently, fifty-four appointees under Mahama's government have not declared their assets by the March 31 deadline.

Reports indicate that nine out of fifty-four ministers and deputies failed to comply. Additionally, eight out of thirty-two presidential staffers and thirty-seven heads of state institutions also did not declare their assets as of April 17, 2024.

This means about 32% of appointees ignored the president’s directive. Notable names among those yet to declare include Alhassan Suhuyini (Deputy Minister of Roads), Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui (Deputy Minister of Works), and John Dumelo (Deputy Minister of Food).

Presidential staffers who have not complied include Larry Gbevlo-Lartey (Adviser on the Economy) and Nathan Kofi Boakye (Director of Operations). President Mahama previously warned that failing to declare assets would lead to severe sanctions, including removal from office.

He stated this move aims to enhance transparency and combat corruption. Article 286 of the 1992 Constitution requires public officials to declare their assets upon taking office.

On February 18, 2025, Mahama publicly declared his own assets at the Jubilee House. He stressed that he takes asset declaration seriously and expects full compliance from all appointees.

Mahama noted he had previously submitted these forms privately but chose public submission for transparency. He instructed all appointees to declare their assets by March 31, 2025.

Failure to meet this deadline will result in severe consequences for those involved. The list includes appointees appointed between January 15 and March 18 who missed the deadline.

Ministers and Deputies:
- Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini (Roads & Highways)
- Rita Naa Odoley Sowah (Local Government)
- Gizella Tettey-Agbotui (Works)
- John Kofi Setor Dumelo (Food)
- Ali Adolf John (Northern Region)

Presidential Staffers:
- Nathan Kofi Boakye (Operations)
- Seth Emmanuel Terkper (Economy Adviser)
- Larry Gbevlo-Lartey (Special Envoy)

State Security Agency:
- Christian Tetteh Yohuno (Police Service)

Heads of State Institutions:
Includes leaders from various agencies like Ghana Revenue Authority and Ghana Education Service.

Domelevo's call highlights ongoing concerns about accountability among government officials in Ghana.