Mahama Should Have Published His Assets After Declaration – Domelevo

Daniel Domelevo, the former Auditor General of Ghana, has commented on President John Dramani Mahama’s recent compliance with asset declaration requirements, suggesting that the President missed a significant opportunity to elevate transparency standards in public office. While President Mahama fulfilled the legal obligation to declare his assets, Domelevo believes that taking the extra step of publicly disclosing his assets would have set a transformative precedent for accountability in governance.

Domelevo emphasized that although the law does not mandate public disclosure of declared assets, President Mahama could have voluntarily requested the Auditor General to publish his asset details. Such a move, according to Domelevo, would have shifted the paradigm surrounding asset declaration in Ghana, fostering greater public trust and setting a higher benchmark for transparency.

“The President missed an opportunity to change the narrative,” Domelevo stated in an interview with Joy FM. “He could have said, ‘I am not required by law to declare my assets publicly, but Auditor General, publish what I have declared so that everyone can see what I owned before assuming office.’ He could have even encouraged his appointees to follow suit, emphasizing a commitment to transparency. This would have taken us a step further in promoting accountability.”

President Mahama submitted his completed Asset Declaration forms to the Auditor-General on Tuesday, February 18, during a brief ceremony at the Jubilee House in Accra. Following his submission, he directed all his appointees to declare their assets by March 31, warning that failure to comply would result in their removal from office. While this directive underscores the importance of adhering to legal requirements, Domelevo’s remarks highlight the potential for leaders to go beyond the minimum legal standards to inspire greater confidence in public institutions.

Domelevo’s comments reflect a growing call for enhanced transparency in governance, particularly in a region where public trust in leaders is often fragile. By voluntarily disclosing his assets, President Mahama could have demonstrated a proactive commitment to openness, encouraging a culture of accountability among public officials.

As Ghana continues to strengthen its democratic institutions, Domelevo’s insights serve as a reminder that leadership is not just about complying with the law but also about setting an example that inspires trust and confidence among citizens. While President Mahama’s actions align with legal requirements, the opportunity to redefine transparency standards remains a compelling challenge for current and future leaders.

Source: GhanaFeed.Com