Dr. Worlanyo Mensah, a seasoned economist, has called for stricter enforcement of Ghana’s asset declaration laws, emphasizing that transparency in leadership is crucial for combating corruption and restoring public trust.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Dr. Mensah commended President John Dramani Mahama for publicly declaring his assets, describing the move as a bold step in the fight against corruption. He stressed that such actions help reshape public perceptions about governance and demonstrate a commitment to integrity.
Dr. Mensah noted that while Ghana’s constitution mandates certain public officials to declare their assets, weak enforcement has allowed many leaders to accumulate wealth without proper scrutiny. He explained that corruption thrives in environments where there is secrecy, making transparency an essential tool for accountability.
“Transparency builds trust. If citizens see their leaders being open about their financial standing, they will have greater confidence in government institutions. If the president can declare his assets, why shouldn’t other public officials do the same?” he questioned.
The economist stressed that asset declaration should not be seen as an attack on public officials but rather as a safeguard for ethical leadership. He argued that beyond being a legal requirement, it is a moral duty for those in public office to reassure citizens that they have nothing to hide.
Dr. Mensah further urged civil society organizations and the media to play a more active role in demanding greater transparency from public officials. He called for reforms that would make asset declarations more accessible to the public, ensuring that accountability becomes a standard practice in governance.
“The fight against corruption requires collective effort, but leaders must lead by example. Strengthening asset declaration laws and making them more transparent will be a step in the right direction,” he concluded.
