North East Minister denies failing to declare assets

North East Regional Minister Ibrahim Tia has denied claims about not declaring his assets.

A recent report listed him among appointees who missed the asset declaration deadline. President John Mahama set this deadline for March 31, 2025, to promote transparency in governance.

On the AM Show on JoyNews, Mr. Tia called the report inaccurate. He stated, “I want to make an appeal about the channel putting it out there that I have not declared my assets, which is completely false.”

He clarified that he submitted his declaration before the deadline. “I did declare my assets on the 20th of March and I have my slip,” he added.

Mr. Tia expressed disappointment over the lack of verification before publication. He said, “So the Fourth Estate lied about me not declaring my assets.” He noted that no one reached out to him for clarification.

He also mentioned writing to request a withdrawal of the report. However, he claimed they have not acted on his request.

Mr. Tia emphasized his respect for the President’s directives. “I am a very obedient servant and I will never flout the laws of the President,” he stated.

In response to these issues, President Mahama has extended the asset declaration deadline to May 7, 2025.

This extension follows many appointees missing the original March 31 deadline. Those who failed to comply must forfeit three months' salary to a medical trust fund.

Failure to meet this new deadline will lead to automatic dismissal from their positions.