Supreme Court nominee, Justice Hafisatu Amaleboba, has called for the enactment of a Constitutional Instrument (C.I.) to address persistent non-compliance with asset declaration laws by public officials.
Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, Justice Amaleboba argued that without a C.I. outlining clear enforcement procedures and sanctions, efforts to ensure transparency will remain ineffective.
Her comments were in response to a question from Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who sought views on how asset declaration could be better enforced without relying solely on presidential discretion.
“The only limit I see under the Constitution is that it provides for a C.I. setting out guidelines,” she explained. “That is the only way I see a resolution to the problem.”
Justice Amaleboba’s position echoes the Mahama administration’s renewed push to improve public sector accountability. Addressing Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) at a training programme the same day, President John Dramani Mahama reiterated his administration’s commitment to transparency.
He reminded appointees that they are required by law to declare their assets and gave a firm deadline of July 15, 2025 for full compliance.
This follows an earlier directive from the President that all political appointees who failed to meet the original deadline of May 7, 2025 would be dismissed.
Ghana’s Public Office Holders (Declaration of Assets and Disqualification) Act, 1998 (Act 550) mandates all public officers to declare their assets and liabilities upon assuming office. The requirement is part of wider anti-corruption safeguards aimed at promoting integrity in public life.
President Mahama has repeatedly stressed that effective governance begins with accountability, and that stricter enforcement of asset declaration laws is a critical part of restoring public trust.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Hamdia Mohammed
