The Crusaders Against Corruption, Ghana (CACG), have made an urgent plea to President John Dramani Mahama, calling on him to enforce Article 286 of the 1992 Constitution.
This article requires certain public officeholders to declare their assets and liabilities before taking office—a critical step in ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, and signed by Emmanuel Wilson Jnr, Chief Crusader, and Bishop Dr. Suzanne Nti, Board Chair, CACG highlighted the importance of asset declaration in the fight against corruption
The organization expressed concern over the lack of strict compliance with this constitutional mandate and urged the President to act decisively by ensuring all incoming public officials adhere to it.
“This article serves as a crucial mechanism to promote transparency, accountability, and integrity within our government.
“According to Article 286 (1), all public office holders—including the President, Vice-President, members of Parliament, ministers, ambassadors, and judges—are required to submit a written declaration of their assets, liabilities, and interests to the Auditor-General”.
Emmanuel Wilson Jnr, Chief Crusader, and Bishop Dr. Suzanne Nti, Board Chair
This declaration, the group strongly argued must be made before assuming office, at the end of every four-year term, and upon leaving office in accordance to the provisions of the country’s laws.
According to the statement, the provision mandates that the declaration covers all properties, assets, and liabilities owned or owed by the officeholder, either directly or indirectly.
This process is intended to deter officials from abusing their power for personal gain and to provide the public with assurance regarding the integrity of their leaders.
An Urgent Call for Leadership
The Crusaders Against Corruption, Ghana (CACG) emphasized the urgency of enforcing Article 286, noting that compliance is essential for strengthening Ghana’s fight against corruption.
The organization called on President Mahama to lead by example and ensure that no public official assumes office without first fulfilling this constitutional requirement. “Enforcing asset declaration laws is not just crucial for combating corruption, but it also fosters transparency and accountability in governance,” the statement said.
The Crusaders Against Corruption, Ghana warned that failing to enforce the law erodes public confidence in government institutions and creates an environment ripe for corrupt practices.
They stressed that the President, as the nation’s leader, has a responsibility to uphold the rule of law and set a standard for others to follow.
The statement comes at a time when public conversations about accountability and integrity in public service are gaining momentum. Many analysts believe that enforcing Article 286 could be a key test of the government’s commitment to addressing corruption.
Advocates for transparency have often pointed out that the lack of enforcement mechanisms for asset declarations has undermined the effectiveness of the law. By demanding strict compliance, CACG hopes to restore public trust in governance and discourage misuse of power.
The CACG statement also raised broader questions about the effectiveness of Ghana’s overall anti-corruption efforts. Experts have suggested that beyond asset declaration enforcement, the government should invest in strengthening institutions like the Auditor-General’s Office to enhance oversight and accountability.
CACG’s appeal presents an opportunity for President Mahama to strengthen his administration’s anti-corruption legacy. By ensuring compliance with Article 286, he has the chance to reinforce the principles of good governance and set a positive precedent for future administrations.
