Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection and Member of Parliament for the Krowor Constituency, has expressed her strong support for President Mahama’s directive mandating all government appointees to declare their assets, characterizing it as an essential measure for promoting transparency and accountability.
In an exclusive interview with Ghana Weekend, the Minister disclosed that she took immediate action to adhere to the directive prior to her vetting. ‘Fortunately, as soon as my name was announced, I obtained the asset declaration form.
Therefore, by the time of my vetting, I had already completed my asset declaration. When His Excellency introduced the directive, I had already fulfilled my obligation,’ she remarked.
She underscored that this process is not merely a one-off requirement but a continuous effort to ensure public officials are held accountable.
‘It assists us in maintaining our boundaries and prevents the misuse of state resources. If you possess assets prior to assuming office, it eliminates any allegations of acquiring wealth during your tenure.’
Naa Momo also advocated for enhancements to the system, proposing that future declarations should prioritize actual assets, such as bank statements, over speculative estimates.
She recognized that the process may be cumbersome but highlighted its significance. ‘Failure to comply could lead to immediate dismissal.
Disregarding such a directive is a sign of disrespect. One cannot be part of a team and disregard the leadership,’ she asserted.
She acknowledged that while the form demands comprehensive information, it is feasible to complete it within a few days with dedicated effort.
