Mahama should have fired officials who missed asset declaration deadline – Vitus Azeem

Anti-corruption advocate Vitus Azeem has called on President John Dramani Mahama to take firmer action against appointees who failed to meet the March 31 deadline for asset declaration.

According to Azeem, dismissing the defaulting officials would have sent a clear and uncompromising message about accountability and the seriousness of the administration’s anti-corruption agenda.

“It wouldn’t be too out of place to remove those who fail to declare their assets. It will be a good lesson for those coming in,” he stated.

Speaking to ABC News GH, Azeem welcomed the recently launched Code of Ethics for Public Officials, describing it as a commendable step toward restoring public trust.

However, he noted that while the President’s promise of sanctions is encouraging, more decisive punitive action is necessary.

“The President needs to set an example by actually sacking those who flout the directive,” he stressed, arguing that mere verbal commitments may not be enough to deter future violations.

The Code of Ethics, launched on May 5, 2025, forms part of President Mahama’s 120-day Social Contract, aimed at instituting discipline and integrity among public officeholders.

It outlines acceptable standards of conduct and reinforces mechanisms for holding government officials accountable.