Auditor-General to Review Asset Declarations for Transparency and Accuracy

The Auditor-General, Johnson Akuamoah-Asiedu, has assured Ghanaians that his office will conduct a meticulous review of the asset declarations submitted by public officials, with a specific focus on ensuring accuracy, completeness, and transparency.

This commitment comes on the heels of President John Dramani Mahama’s official submission of his asset declaration at the Jubilee House on February 18, 2025, which is part of his effort to uphold public trust and combat corruption within his administration.

The asset declaration, mandated under the Public Office Holders (Declaration of Assets and Disqualification) Act, includes detailed information about Mahama’s financial holdings, properties, and other significant assets.

In his response to President Mahama’s declaration, Akuamoah-Asiedu stated that the Auditor-General’s office would thoroughly examine all the forms submitted by public office holders, including those from the President.

He clarified that the office’s primary focus would be to ensure that the asset forms are complete, with no blank spaces, and that accurate information is provided about bank balances, property holdings, and other assets.

“One of the key things we will be looking for is whether there are any blank spaces in the forms. For example, some people list their bank accounts but fail to provide balances. If that happens, we will call the person to come back and amend their declaration,” Akuamoah-Asiedu explained.

The auditor general also acknowledged the challenges involved in verifying certain details within the declarations.

For instance, confirming the exact number of bank accounts or verifying the ownership of properties can be difficult without further investigation. Akuamoah-Asiedu emphasised that the office would follow up on such issues by requesting further documentation and clarification.

“If a person declares they have ten bank accounts, how can we be sure there are not more? Similarly, if they claim to own two buildings, we need to ensure that those properties are accurately accounted for,” he remarked.

In his broader statement, Akuamoah-Asiedu voiced support for President Mahama’s call for greater transparency in the declaration process.

He suggested that making asset declarations publicly accessible would not only reinforce public trust but also serve as a deterrent against potential corrupt practices.

“Publishing asset declarations at both the time of submission and when officials leave office is a critical step toward ensuring accountability. The public should be able to freely access this information. It would also be essential to review and compare declarations when an official exits office to observe any changes in their assets,” he stated.

As the review process unfolds, the Auditor-General is expected to work closely with other stakeholders to monitor compliance and enforce the provisions of the asset declaration law. By making this process as transparent and thorough as possible, Akuamoah-Asiedu aims to set a precedent for greater accountability and a more integrity-driven public service.

The Ghanaian public, along with civil society groups, has expressed support for this initiative, seeing it as a crucial step toward fostering a culture of accountability and reducing corruption in government.

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