Asset declarations must be open to public scrutiny – PPP Chairman

The National Chairman of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP), Nana Ofori Owusu, has called for reforms to Ghana’s asset declaration laws to allow public access to the declared assets of government appointees.

His remarks come in the wake of media reports alleging that nine out of 55 ministers and deputy ministers under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration failed to meet the March 31 deadline to submit their asset declaration forms, despite a directive from the President.

The government has since denied the claims, accusing sections of the media of misreporting the issue.

Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV with Selorm Adonoo on Saturday, May 10, Mr. Ofori Owusu criticised the government’s decision to extend the deadline, saying it undermines accountability and encourages complacency.

“I didn’t agree with the extension, from March to May, he should have taken action right away. Because it makes people lax and relaxed about the process,” he said.

He further called for a legal review to make asset declarations accessible to the public, arguing that current rules—which seal the documents—limit transparency.

“I believe the law should also be reviewed in that regard, because when you declare your assets, it is sealed. You and I cannot see it. It must be a public document, people must be able to apply it as part of the Information Act.

“I should be able to see that when you came into office, you had one house; all of a sudden, you have 10 houses. These things must be questioned, those are things the people are crying about,” he suggested.