Asset declaration is a fundamental pillar of transparency and accountability in Ghana’s governance system. It is a mechanism to prevent corruption, ensure integrity, and promote public confidence in officials entrusted with national leadership.
While the Constitution of Ghana provides clear directives on asset declaration, discussions persist on whether such declarations should be made public. Professor Ransford Gyampo, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, in adherence to the Law has officially declared his assets.
Prof. Gyampo revealed that he took immediate steps to declare his assets upon assuming office. He detailed the process.
‘I think the very day I went to the office. I told my friend Martin to get me the form immediately and so I got some other people to go get me the form. I filled it out and I called the Auditor General himself that I wanted to submit the text.”
Prof. Ransford Gyampo Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority
His swift action, he explained, was guided by his personal conviction to abide by the law.
“He was glad to hear that I wanted to do that. Unfortunately, he was not in the office, so I left it with one of the officials who recognized me, and afterwards, I was given a receipt.”
Prof. Ransford Gyampo Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority
Legal Provisions vs. Personal Initiative
Meanwhile, base on the Presidential directive, public appointees have until March 31st to declare their assets. However, he maintained that he was not concerned with the deadline but rather with personal compliance with the law.
“Well, I’m thinking about myself. I think that the right thing to do is to go by what the law says. So, I just give a different latitude. All others must do the same so that you are seen to be under the law, that’s all.”
Prof. Ransford Gyampo Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority
When asked if he was more inclined to follow constitutional provisions rather than a directive, he affirmed.
“That is what the law says. And so, you do it, and the directive just came in to remind people and to reinforce what the law is. So maybe for those who may have forgotten, the directive puts it in place so that they do what is necessary.”
Prof. Ransford Gyampo Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority
Touching on whether asset declarations should be made public, Prof. Gyampo acknowledged that the Constitution does not mandate public disclosure.
“Well, I think that we have to go by what the fundamental law of the land says. But I have always argued that sometimes rigid adherence to lay-down rules and constitutional provisions would usher a people into a regime of robots. The Constitution has many flaws.”
Prof. Ransford Gyampo Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority
He pointed out that these flaws have necessitated ongoing constitutional reviews.
“It has provisions that hinder the maturation of our drive, the maturation of our democratization process. And that’s how come it is being subjected to a review.”
Prof. Ransford Gyampo Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority
A Call for Reform
In advocating for a reform of asset declaration laws, Prof. Gyampo suggested that public officials should voluntarily disclose their assets to reinforce public confidence in governance.
He further stressed that public officials should be transparent about their assets to ensure accountability.
“A public official must live in a goldfish bowl. That’s what my teacher… taught us in public administration way back in 1998. As in, people should be able to see you inside out. And if you are not comfortable, then don’t go near public appointments.”
Prof. Ransford Gyampo Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority
Prof. Gyampo concluded his remarks by advocating for a review of the current asset declaration regime.
“Maybe as we review our laws, we can also take a certain look at our asset declaration regime with a view to strengthening it, so that once you declare, it can also be made public to those who want to know the content.”
Prof. Ransford Gyampo Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority
The issue of asset declaration remains a critical aspect of good governance in Ghana. While the Constitution provides a framework for compliance, voices like Prof. Ransford Gyampo’s highlight the need for reforms that promote greater transparency.
His advocacy for a public disclosure mechanism underscores the role of accountability in deepening democratic governance.
As Ghana continues to refine its legal structures, the call for a more transparent asset declaration regime is likely to remain a subject of national debate.
READ ALSO; Ghana’s Economic Stability: Government Urged to Walk the Talk
