By: Alexander Afriyie
Accra, Ghana – In a move aimed at promoting transparency and accountability among government appointees, President John Dramani Mahama has imposed sanctions on those who failed to declare their assets before the March 31 deadline.
According to a statement, appointees who missed the deadline will forfeit three months’ salary, which will be donated to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as Mahama Cares.
The asset declaration exercise is a constitutional requirement aimed at preventing corruption and ensuring that public officials do not use their positions for personal gain. The exercise is conducted by the Auditor-General’s office and is mandatory for all government appointees.
President Mahama’s decision to impose sanctions on defaulting appointees demonstrates his commitment to transparency and accountability in governance. The move is expected to serve as a deterrent to appointees who may be tempted to flout the law.
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund, which will benefit from the forfeited salaries, is a initiative aimed at improving healthcare delivery in the country. The fund provides financial support to needy patients and helps to improve healthcare infrastructure.
The asset declaration exercise is an important tool in the fight against corruption in Ghana. By imposing sanctions on defaulting appointees, President Mahama is sending a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated in his administration.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time President Mahama has taken steps to promote transparency and accountability in governance. In 2014, he introduced a new code of conduct for government appointees, which includes provisions on asset declaration and conflict of interest.
Overall, President Mahama’s decision to impose sanctions on appointees who failed to declare their assets is a welcome move that demonstrates his commitment to transparency and accountability in governance. Alexander Afriyie