Let’s be clear, declaring assets without verification is useless – Kwesi Pratt

Veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr has criticized Ghana’s asset declaration system. He called it flawed and ineffective for ensuring transparency in public office.

On Good Morning Ghana, he stated that all public officials must declare their assets. However, he believes the current process is problematic.

Pratt explained that individuals submit their asset declarations to the Audit Service. No one verifies these declarations, which remain sealed until a court orders otherwise. He sees this as a significant issue.

He argued that submitting a declaration without an audit makes it meaningless. “There should be an audit to confirm listed assets exist,” he said.

Pratt also discussed the exclusion of spouses from the asset declaration process. He noted that spouses are not required to declare their assets, raising concerns about this policy.

In 1992, the NPP promised to change this rule if elected but did not follow through. Former President Mills made a similar promise in 2000, which also went unfulfilled.

Recently, Pratt acknowledged President Mahama's decision to punish appointees who fail to declare their assets by March 31st, 2025.

“This is the first time a president has taken such action,” he remarked. He found this commendable but pointed out constitutional limitations.

Pratt noted that CHRAJ has jurisdiction over these matters, not the president. “The power to act lies with CHRAJ,” he stated.

Despite this limitation, he admitted the president's actions do not violate any laws. “No law prevents the president from taking action against violators,” he concluded.