Asset declaration: Verification and validation of declared assets critical – Shamima Muslim

The newly appointed Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, Shamima Muslim has stressed the importance of asset declaration in ensuring transparency and accountability in public office.

Ms Muslim acknowledged the challenges posed by the current asset declaration system, especially in relation to transparency.

She highlighted the fact that while public officers are required to declare their assets, there are gaps in the system that prevent proper verification and validation of these declarations.

“What exactly is in the assets that have been declared, and what’s the purpose of declaring assets that no one has the opportunity to verify and validate?” she questioned, calling for a review of the current asset declaration regime.

She acknowledged the challenges that come with asset declaration, particularly the timing. The law stipulates that public officers must declare their assets before taking office, but Muslim pointed out that the uncertainty of appointment and the timing of the process can present challenges.

“If you don’t know you’re going to be appointed, how do you declare your assets?” she asked on TV3’s KeyPoints on January 25.

One of the key issues she pointed out was the scope of the law. As it stands, the law covers only public officers or appointees, with no clear requirements for their families or associates, many of whom may own assets on behalf of the public official.

Shamima suggested that the regime should be extended to include these individuals, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to asset disclosure.

“An extension of that regime to include all those that are politically exposed to the appointees is something we need to look at if we are proposing reforms,” she added.

With regard to her own asset declaration, Muslim shared that she was still in the process of declaring her assets, as she had only recently been appointed to her position.

She noted that the key differentiator between the NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is the character of the leadership.

She therefore urged he fellow appointees in President Mahama’s administration to avoid the pitfalls of corruption and profiteering that plagued previous administrations.

“If we say we are different, we must be seen to be different,” she stated, calling for a government that works with conscience and for the benefit of the people.

Muslim further reflected on the challenges faced by ordinary Ghanaians, particularly those living in rural areas.
She recalled the long hours spent by citizens waiting under the harsh sun just for a chance to meet public officials.

“With so little, they give us so much,” she said, acknowledging the sacrifices made by the people. Her words underscored the need for those in power to remember their responsibility to the people who entrusted them with their positions.

Muslim concluded by reinforcing the importance of ethical governance, urging her colleagues and future leaders to stay true to the principles of social democracy, ensuring that the resources of the state are distributed fairly and justly for the benefit of all Ghanaians.

“We must remember our political ethos as a social democratic government, and be truly egalitarian,” she said, calling for a commitment to reducing inequality and ensuring that all Ghanaians benefit from the government’s efforts.

Read also:

It’s unconstitutional for ministers-designate to declare their assets after assuming office – Kpebu

By Christabel Success Treve

The post Asset declaration: Verification and validation of declared assets critical – Shamima Muslim first appeared on 3News.

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