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The newly appointed deputy presidential spokesperson, Shamima Muslim, has emphasised the urgent need to reform Ghana’s asset declaration system to ensure greater transparency and accountability in public office.
Speaking on TV3’s KeyPoints on January 25, Muslim highlighted critical gaps in the current system, particularly the lack of proper verification and validation of declared assets.
“What exactly is in the assets that have been declared, and what’s the purpose of declaring assets that no one has the opportunity to verify and validate?” she questioned, stressing the importance of addressing these weaknesses.
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Shamima also raised concerns about the timing of asset declarations, noting that public officers are required by law to declare their assets before assuming office.
However, the unpredictability of appointments complicates the process.
“If you don’t know you’re going to be appointed, how do you declare your assets?” She queried, calling for a more practical approach to asset declaration timelines.
Another key issue she identified was the limited scope of the law, which currently applies only to public officers or appointees.
Shamima Muslim advocated for extending the system to include family members and associates of politically exposed persons, who may hold assets on their behalf.
“An extension of that regime to include all those that are politically exposed to the appointees is something we need to look at if we are proposing reforms,” she suggested.
Reflecting on her own position, Shamima revealed that she was still in the process of declaring her assets, given her recent appointment.
She urged her colleagues in President John Dramani Mahama’s administration to uphold the principles of integrity and avoid the corruption and profiteering that have plagued past administrations.
“If we say we are different, we must be seen to be different,” she asserted, emphasising the importance of ethical governance and responsible leadership.
Shamima Muslim also touched on the struggles of ordinary Ghanaians, particularly those in rural areas.
She recounted the sacrifices made by citizens who endure long hours and harsh conditions to engage with public officials, urging leaders to remain conscious of their responsibilities to the people.
“With so little, they give us so much,” she said, underscoring the need for a government that prioritises the welfare of its citizens.
Concluding her remarks, Muslim called on her fellow leaders to stay true to the principles of social democracy and work towards reducing inequality.
“We must remember our political ethos as a social democratic government and be truly egalitarian,” she stated, reinforcing the commitment to ensuring that Ghana’s resources are distributed fairly for the benefit of all.
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