Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu, has announced that the Private Member’s Bill, aimed at prohibiting politicians, politically exposed persons, judges, high-ranking security officials, and other state functionaries from purchasing state assets, is now ready.
The Public Assets Protection Bill, as shared by the MP, has as its primary objective: the prevention of conflicts of interest and the ensuring of integrity and transparency in public administration in Ghana.
“This prohibition aims to prevent conflicts of interest, corruption, and misuse of public office for personal gain. This measure is essential to safeguard public resources and maintain public trust in government officials and institutions”.
“The prohibition will apply to individuals holding positions of authority and responsibility within government or public institutions, whose role grants them access to privileged information or decision-making power over state resources. It will also apply to their immediate family and other entities that they control”.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa: Public Assets Protection Bill
According to Hon. Ablakwa, the Bill argues that allowing public officers to acquire state assets can lead to conflicts of interest, where personal gain influences decision-making.
He noted that to protect the public interest, laws must prevent conflicts of interest and set standards for public officers to ensure they don’t use their position for personal gain beyond their lawful remuneration.
The Bill also contends that banning public officers from acquiring state assets ensures transparent and accountable management of public resources.
According to the MP, the bill justifies that preventing public officers from benefiting unduly from their positions maintains public trust in government institutions.
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As such, the Bill maintains that as agents of the people, public officers must uphold the Constitution, perform duties faithfully, and prioritize public interest while maintaining the highest ethical standards
According to the Bill, Ghana’s history of divestiture and state asset sales has been marred by controversy, particularly when sold to politically exposed persons, leading to political turmoil and public distrust.
“Given this historical context, it is imperative to legislate against the sale of public assets to public officers. This bill aims to prevent potential conflicts of interest and ensure that any divestiture process or sales of public assets remains transparent, fair, and free from political influence, thereby safeguarding public confidence in the management of national resources”.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa: Public Assets Protection Bill
Key Provisions Of the Bill
Furthermore, the Bill clearly prohibits public officers in Ghana from acquiring state assets during their tenure and for a specified period thereafter and mandates the disclosure of any interests in entities seeking to acquire state assets, thereby promoting transparency.
The Bill imposes strict penalties for violations, including disciplinary action, fines, imprisonment, and forfeiture of improperly acquired assets.
“Oversight and Enforcement: The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) is the Ombudsman and is empowered to ensure compliance with the Act, investigate violations, and recommend actions”.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP-North Tongu Constituency
“Registry of Assets: The State Interest and Government Authority (SIGA) is mandated to coordinate with public institutions to compile, update, and publish a registry of assets on a government website in the spirit of transparency and public accountability”.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa: Public Assets Protection Bill
Moreover, the Bill indicates that CHRAJ is mandated to make regulations to encourage and reward whistle-blowers who expose dishonest attempts by politically exposed persons to purchase state assets.
It also states that public officers currently holding state assets are required to divest such assets within a specified period.
The sponsors of the Bill argued that Ghana, a leader in African democracy, must maintain good governance and ethical public service. Misuse of public office undermines trust and national development.
According to the sponsors, this Bill supports Ghana’s international commitments to combating corruption, including UNCAC and the African Union Convention.
As such, they concluded that the Public Assets Protection Act is a crucial step in ensuring ethical conduct among public officers, protecting state assets, and maintaining public trust.
They noted that the Bill provides a robust framework for preventing misuse of public office and promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability, ultimately benefiting all citizens and strengthening Ghana’s democratic institutions.
Hon. Ablakwa revealed that the Bill is sponsored by a bipartisan group of eight MPs, with four from the Minority and four from the Majority, including himself, Hon. Kwaku Agyeman Kwarteng, Hon. Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu, Hon. Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Hon. Yves Hanson-Nortey, Hon. Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey, and Paul Apreku Twum-Barimah.
