Declaration of assets: March 31 deadline is unconstitutional, change it – Martin Kpebu tells Mahama

Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has called on John Mahama to amend the timeline of March 31 for public officials to declare their assets.

He said the directive is in breach of the 1992 Constitution.

Speaking on the issue on the KeyPoints with Alfred Ocansey, Kpebu referenced Article 286 of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates public officeholders to declare their assets before assuming office.

He argued that “the current directive requiring declarations by March 31st contradicts the Constitution.”

His comments come after President Mahama declared his assets and directed his appointees to do same.

“My only problem with it is that March 31 is not good because it continues to breach the Constitution. What the Constitution says is that it should be done before the person takes office,” he stated.

He emphasized that the law is clear and that President Mahama has the power to correct this oversight.

“Considering that this is very clear, I think that Mr. President can do something about it. We’ve moved forward as a nation, and I don’t think if he changes the timelines, anybody will gloat. Rather, they will say you read the books again—Plato, etc.—and they will show you that a mark of leadership is when you accept your fault and seek to remedy it.”

Kpebu praised the President for previously acknowledging mistakes, citing an instance where the government apologized for excluding Catholic bishops from the National Education Forum.

“When they were left out, they were not happy. They brought the matter out, and the President apologized. They moved on. That is beautiful,” he remarked.

The legal expert’s call adds to growing voices urging reforms in Ghana’s public asset declaration process to promote transparency and accountability.

Read also:

Declaration of assets: Fire them if they fail to do so by April 1 – Senyo Hosi on Mahama’s directive to appointees

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