‘Asset Declaration is Important, but Lifestyle Audit is Crucial for Public Officials’ – Domelevo to Mahama

Former Auditor General Daniel Yaw Domelevo has praised President John Mahama for declaring his assets but emphasized that lifestyle audits are essential in effectively combating corruption among public officials.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, February 18, Domelevo described the President’s decision as a positive step but raised concerns about the process involved.

“It is commendable that the President has declared his assets,” he noted.

However, he expressed dissatisfaction with how the declaration was handled.

“I was not entirely pleased to see the envelope being handed over to the Auditor General because it reinforces the perception that asset declarations are simply sealed and submitted without proper scrutiny. In reality, the process should involve verifying signatures and ensuring that the forms are correctly completed, which, in this case, was not done,” he explained.

While acknowledging President Mahama’s directive for government officials to declare their assets by March 31, Domelevo questioned the timeline.

“Frankly, March 31 is too late because the Constitution mandates that asset declarations should be done before assuming office,” he argued.

“Some may reference Act 550, which allows a six-month window, but this contradicts the Constitution. I have a letter from former Attorney General Gloria Akuffo confirming that subsection 4(1) of Act 550 conflicts with the Constitution. Yet, we continue to follow it.”

Domelevo also welcomed Mahama’s stance on holding officials accountable for non-compliance.

“I’m pleased that the President has stated that those who fail to declare their assets will face consequences or be removed from office. This should apply across the board, and it would be a positive development,” he said.

However, he insisted that asset declarations alone are not enough to fight corruption effectively.

“While asset declaration is important, we must also implement lifestyle audits and shift the burden of proof,” Domelevo emphasized.

“If we don’t conduct lifestyle audits to verify the sources of wealth, individuals will simply hide their assets under the names of family and friends. Anyone closely associated with a public officeholder should also be subject to scrutiny.”