March 31 asset declaration too far – Martin Kpebu

Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has criticised President John Mahama’s decision to set March 31 as the deadline for government appointees to declare their assets, calling it too delayed and unconstitutional.

Mr Kpebu argued that the 1992 Constitution mandates appointees to declare their assets before assuming office, not months later.

Citing Article 286(1), he emphasized that public officials must submit a written declaration of their assets and liabilities to the Auditor-General “before taking office.”

“The March 31 deadline is too far off. The Constitution is clear—it must be done before assuming office. Initially, we heard two weeks, but now it’s been pushed to the end of March. We can do better,” he said in an interview.

While Act 500, the Public Office Holders (Declaration of Assets and Disqualification) Act, allows up to six months for asset declaration, Kpebu argued that this contradicts the Constitution.

He stressed that the Constitution is the supreme law, voiding any inconsistent legislation.

He also noted that civil society activist Mensah Thompson has already challenged the six-month provision in court, with a Supreme Court ruling expected.

Mr Kpebu warned that delaying asset declaration increases the risk of corruption.

“When ministers take office, big contractors quickly approach them with business deals. If asset declarations are delayed, there’s room for questionable transactions,” he cautioned.

He urged President Mahama to reconsider the March 31 deadline and ensure strict compliance with the constitutional requirement.

“We must appeal to the President to revisit this decision. The Constitution is the supreme law, and we must uphold it,” he concluded.