President John Mahama has directed the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) to ensure that all chief executive officers of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) comply with the Assets Declaration Law. He noted that the Auditor-General would submit a list of those who had complied by an agreed cut-off date, and those who failed to comply would be sanctioned, including possible removal from office.
President Mahama gave the directive during a meeting with chief executive officers (CEOs) of SOEs on Thursday at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra. The Public Office Holders (Declaration of Assets and Disqualification) Act, 1998 (Act 550) mandates public officials to declare their assets and liabilities upon their assumption of office.
The law aims to prevent corruption, detect illicit enrichment, and address conflicts of interest by requiring officials to disclose their assets and liabilities.
“As I said yesterday, you are among the category of public officers obliged to declare your assets upon assuming office, and also upon leaving office,” the President said.
“A lot of your predecessors have failed to declare their assets, including ministers and CEOs who have left, and so the Auditor General must follow them and get them to comply.”
Credit: JOY ONLINE