Strengthening Ghana’s asset declaration: Auditor’s perspective

Ghana’s current asset declaration framework, as outlined in Article 286 of the 1992 Constitution and Act 550 (1998), is intended to promote accountability among public officials. 

However, critical gaps in transparency, verification and enforcement undermine its effectiveness in preventing corruption.

Additionally, the recent asset declaration by President John Dramani Mahama, while a welcome development, could have set a stronger precedent had he authorised the Auditor-General to publicly publish it.

Such a move would have demonstrated the need for greater transparency and accountability in Ghana’s asset declaration regime.This document outlines key policy recommendations to strengthen the framework and ensure it serves its intended purpose.

Key challenges of current system

– Lack of Public Access to Asset Declarations

• Asset declarations are filed with the Auditor-General but are not publicly accessible, reducing accountability.

• Public disclosure is restricted unless required by a court or commission of inquiry.

– Absence of independent verification

• There is no structured audit or verification process to confirm the authenticity of declared assets.
• Public officials can misrepresent or under-report assets without consequence.

– Weak Enforcement and Sanctions

• Many public officers fail to declare assets, and non-compliance carries minimal consequences.

• The absence of strict penalties weakens deterrence against corruption.

– Manual and Inefficient Declaration Process
• The current paper-based system is prone to manipulation, record loss and inefficiency.
• Lack of digital integration prevents easy cross-referencing with other financial records.

Policy recommendations

– Enhance Transparency Through Public Access

• Amend Act 550 to allow for controlled public access to asset declarations while balancing privacy concerns.

• Establish a publicly accessible database where summaries of declared assets can be reviewed.

• Encourage high-profile officials, including the President, to voluntarily disclose their declarations publicly.

– Implement an Independent Verification Mechanism

• Establish a Verification Unit within the Audit Service to cross-check declarations against: Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) tax records; bank statements; Lands Commission property registers and conduct random audits to detect false declarations and undisclosed assets.

– Strengthen Enforcement and Sanctions

• Introduce automatic penalties for non-compliance, including: Fines, disqualification from public office, asset forfeiture for fraudulent declarations, Establish an Asset Declaration Oversight Committee to monitor compliance.

– Digitalise Asset Declaration process

• Implement an electronic asset declaration system (e-Declaration).

• Ensure integration with national databases to facilitate real-time verification.

•  Improve security features to protect sensitive data while maintaining audit access.

Conclusion

An effective asset declaration system is a critical tool for preventing corruption and promoting public trust. By enhancing transparency, verification, enforcement and digitalisation, Ghana can strengthen its commitment to good governance.

These reforms will ensure that asset declarations serve their intended purpose of preventing illicit wealth accumulation and enhancing public sector integrity.

I urge the government and relevant stakeholders to prioritise these reforms.

Strengthening the asset declaration framework will reinforce Ghana’s anti-corruption efforts and enhance confidence in public administration.

The writer is a Principal Auditor,
Ghana Audit Service.