President John Dramani Mahama Directs Appointees to Declare Assets, Emphasizes Accountability and Transparency
In a move to bolster transparency and accountability in his administration, President John Dramani Mahama has mandated all his appointees to declare their assets.
The directive, announced during the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed ministers at the Jubilee House in Accra on Wednesday, January 22, underscores the administration’s commitment to good governance.
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Mandatory Asset Declaration for Appointees
President Mahama emphasized the importance of integrity within his government, stating that the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, will oversee the asset declaration process to ensure full compliance.
“I expect all of you to begin the process of declaring your assets,” the President instructed. “The Chief of Staff will announce the cutoff date by which time all eligible appointees should have deposited their assets declaration forms with the Auditor-General. I wish all of you good luck in your duties, and I pledge to work with you in the future.”
This directive aligns with Ghana’s commitment to fostering a culture of accountability in public service and combating corruption. Asset declaration by public officials helps build public trust and ensures that government representatives act in the best interest of the nation.
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Key Expectations for Ministers
During the ceremony, President Mahama outlined specific expectations for some key ministers, signaling a clear focus on delivering results in critical sectors of the economy.
Energy Minister – John Jinapor
President Mahama highlighted the significance of the energy sector, tasking John Jinapor with ensuring a stable and efficient power supply.
“Ghanaians are looking for a stable and efficient power supply,” he said, emphasizing that reliable energy is a cornerstone for national development and economic growth.
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Finance Minister – Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson
Dr. Forson was charged with stabilizing the nation’s economy amidst growing concerns over inflation and public debt.
“Ghanaians expect you to reduce inflation and make life more comfortable,” President Mahama noted. “They expect you to bring the national public debt to sustainable levels, stabilize our currency, and bring down inflation.”
These directives reflect the administration’s focus on addressing pressing economic challenges and meeting the expectations of citizens.
Ministers Sworn In
The newly sworn-in ministers, who are expected to hit the ground running, include:
- Haruna Iddrisu – Minister for Education
- Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson – Minister for Finance
- John Jinapor – Minister for Energy and Green Transition
- Dr. Dominic Ayine – Attorney General and Minister for Justice
- Governs Kwame Agbodza – Minister for Roads and Highways
- Eric Opoku – Minister for Food and Agriculture
Each minister has been entrusted with critical responsibilities to advance the administration’s development agenda and improve the well-being of Ghanaians.
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Ongoing Ministerial Appointments
The Appointments Committee is actively reviewing additional ministerial nominees to finalize the government’s team. This process aims to ensure that qualified individuals are selected to lead key sectors effectively.
Commitment to Accountability and Governance
President Mahama’s directive to declare assets is a bold step towards reinforcing transparency and accountability in governance. It reflects the administration’s commitment to promoting ethical leadership and ensuring that public officials are held to high standards.
The Importance of Asset Declaration
Asset declaration serves as a vital tool in curbing corruption and maintaining public trust. By requiring public officials to disclose their financial interests, the government can monitor potential conflicts of interest and detect unexplained wealth accumulation.
The process also fosters a culture of accountability, signaling to citizens that their leaders are committed to integrity and responsible governance.
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A New Chapter for Ghana’s Governance
As President Mahama’s administration begins its mandate, the emphasis on transparency, accountability, and results-oriented leadership is a promising step forward. By directing ministers to declare their assets and setting clear expectations for performance, the President is laying the groundwork for a government that prioritizes the needs of its citizens and upholds the highest standards of integrity.
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This renewed focus on ethical governance and effective administration reflects the aspirations of Ghanaians for a government that is both responsive and accountable.