Ghanaians are in shock following revelations by Fourth Estate that several ministers under John Mahama’s administration failed to declare their assets, as required by law. This disclosure, made on Thursday, 23rd January 2025, has sparked heated debates on social media, with many calling for stricter measures to prevent corruption among public officials.
Some reactions from Netizens
Asset declaration is a key requirement in Ghana’s fight against corruption. Article 286 of the 1992 Constitution mandates all public officials, including ministers, to declare their assets and liabilities upon assuming office and when they leave. This law aims to ensure that public officials do not exploit their positions for personal gain.
During his tenure as President, John Mahama assured Ghanaians that his appointees adhered to this law. In a 2015 interview, he confidently stated that all his ministers had complied with the asset declaration process. He himself, along with his Vice-President, Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, reportedly followed the law. However, an investigation by Fourth Estate has revealed a different story.
The report uncovered that 11 ministers and deputy ministers in Mahama’s government failed to declare their assets either at the start or end of their terms in office. This revelation has cast doubt on the former president’s assurances and raised questions about the effectiveness of the asset declaration process.
The following are the ministers named in the Fourth Estate report:
Prosper Bani– Chief of Staff/Minister of Interior
Ekwow Spio-Garbrah – Minister of Trade and Industry
Nii Osah Mills – Minister of Lands and Natural Resources
Victoria Hammah– Deputy Minister of Communications
Peter Anarfi-Mensah– Ashanti Regional Minister
Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum– Deputy Minister of Local Government
Victor Asare Bampoe – Deputy Minister of Health
Hannah Bissiw– Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture
Ibrahim Mohammed Murtala – Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry
Paul Evans Aidoo– Western Regional Minister
James Zuugah Tigah – Upper East Regional Minister
Ghanaians have taken to social media to express their outrage and disappointment. Many are demanding answers from the affected individuals and calling for a review of the asset declaration system. “How can we trust our leaders if they can’t follow basic laws?” one commenter asked on X.
This revelation is likely to fuel ongoing discussions about corruption and accountability in Ghana. It also serves as a wake-up call for policymakers to strengthen systems that ensure transparency and fairness in public office. Will those implicated face consequences, or will this be another story swept under the rug? Only time will tell.
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