In a landmark move aimed at promoting transparency and accountability, President John Dramani Mahama has officially declared his assets to the Auditor-General, making the disclosure public for the first time on February 18, 2025, at the Jubilee House.
The asset declaration includes a detailed account of Mahama’s financial holdings, properties, and other assets, fulfilling his obligation under Ghana‘s Public Office Holders (Declaration of Assets and Disqualification) Act. Mahama emphasized that this public declaration is meant to inject openness and transparency into the process, arguing that preventing corruption is more effective than merely punishing it
“In times past, I would privately present these forms to the Auditor-General. I have taken the step of presenting these forms publicly as a way of injecting some openness and transparency into the process of asset declaration,” President Mahama stated.
Mahama’s public asset declaration sets a powerful precedent that could reshape political accountability in Ghana and beyond. If emulated by other heads of state and government officials, it could increase public trust and confidence in political leaders, enhance transparency and accountability, reducing opportunities for corruption as well as create a culture of integrity in public service, ensuring leaders are held accountable for their financial dealings.
While the move has been widely praised for promoting transparency, critics argue it could be political posturing designed to boost public perception. Skeptics question whether other government officials will follow suit, or if it’s a one-off gesture.
The asset declaration will be rigorously verified and publicly audited, ensuring accuracy and preventing misrepresentation. Will this level of transparency be sustained beyond Mahama’s tenure or will it fade?
If this bold move becomes standard practice, it could transform governance by creating a transparent political environment, where public scrutiny deters corruption, strengthening legal frameworks for asset declaration, making it mandatory and enforceable for all public office holders, and setting a benchmark for political integrity, influencing other African leaders to adopt similar transparency measures.
However, for this initiative to truly pave the way for greater accountability, it must be institutionalized with robust checks and balances. The Auditor-General’s office must actively verify declarations, and civil society organizations should be empowered to monitor compliance.
Mahama’s public asset declaration appears to challenge the status quo of opaque political financing. It poses a critical question for Ghanaian politics and global governance: Will public asset declarations become the new norm, or will they remain a political tool for image management?
The business community, civil society, and political analysts will be watching closely to see if this act of transparency is emulated across the political spectrum, influencing a new era of accountability and public trust.
