Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey from IDEG praised President Mahama for changing how Ghana enforces asset declaration rules. The president created a March 31 deadline for officials to declare assets instead of waiting six months as allowed under the law. Officials who miss this deadline lose their salary or face dismissal from their jobs. Dr. Akwetey spoke about this on Joy FM radio last Saturday. He said no other leader had taken such strong steps during 32 years of Ghana's Fourth Republic.
President Mahama set an example when he publicly submitted his asset forms first. Many officials feared declaring assets because extended family members might learn about their wealth. Some critics say the president might be going beyond legal limits with these strict rules. Dr. Akwetey believes moral pressure alone has never worked to make officials follow the law. The government must balance between dismissing officials who break rules against keeping the government running smoothly with experienced people.
The real test comes when officials reach their deadline for declaring assets. Dr. Akwetey called this approach subtle but effective at changing behavior. He hopes these actions will create a lasting culture of accountability among public officials. Previous attempts failed because social pressure never worked against powerful resistance. The president's mix of personal example with clear consequences shows a new path forward for Ghana.
President Mahama set an example when he publicly submitted his asset forms first. Many officials feared declaring assets because extended family members might learn about their wealth. Some critics say the president might be going beyond legal limits with these strict rules. Dr. Akwetey believes moral pressure alone has never worked to make officials follow the law. The government must balance between dismissing officials who break rules against keeping the government running smoothly with experienced people.
The real test comes when officials reach their deadline for declaring assets. Dr. Akwetey called this approach subtle but effective at changing behavior. He hopes these actions will create a lasting culture of accountability among public officials. Previous attempts failed because social pressure never worked against powerful resistance. The president's mix of personal example with clear consequences shows a new path forward for Ghana.
