GII Director demands dismissals for officials who snub asset declaration orders

Mary Awelana Addah, the Executive Director of the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), criticized public officials for not declaring their assets. This is required by law.

In an interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse, she called for tougher sanctions. She suggested that outright dismissals should be imposed on those who ignore this requirement.

Addah's comments follow the President's recent efforts to hold officials accountable. She noted that the President has the power to enforce compliance.

She stated, “I think it should have been outright dismissals for most of them.” She emphasized that it is within his authority to take action.

Addah highlighted the importance of a strict deadline for asset declarations. “Giving them less than 48 hours to ensure that it is done is very critical,” she said. She believes this will encourage seriousness in future compliance.

She expressed disappointment that officials did not declare their assets before taking office. “What we would have wanted to see is declaring the assets before assumption of office,” she remarked.

Addah added that failure to declare shows a lack of respect for presidential orders.

She praised the President’s decision to launch a new code of conduct. She sees it as an important step toward integrity in public office.

“This action sends a strong message that the President means business,” she noted.