BY Grace Zigah
In a strong signal of his administration’s renewed commitment to transparency and good governance, President John Dramani Mahama has directed all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to declare their assets by July 15, 2025, in compliance with constitutional requirements.
The directive was issued during an orientation and training programme for newly appointed MMDCEs in Accra on Wednesday.
Addressing the gathering, President Mahama reminded the local government leaders of their constitutional obligations under Article 286 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which mandates public officeholders to declare their assets upon assumption of office and at the end of their tenure.
“I wish to remind you that you are among the office holders required to declare your assets, and so I expect that by July 15, all of you will have complied,” the President stated firmly, reinforcing the significance of accountability in public office.
Since his return to office in January 2025, President Mahama has made asset declaration a cornerstone of his anti-corruption strategy, insisting that public officials at all levels must demonstrate a commitment to openness and integrity.
Sources within the presidency indicate that all ministers, presidential staffers, and heads of state institutions have already complied with the asset declaration directive.
John Mahama further warned that any MMDCE who fails to declare their assets by the stipulated date would face sanctions in line with national law.
He cited previous instances under his administration where appointees who defaulted were penalized, signalling that enforcement would not be symbolic.
The president’s asset declaration campaign comes amid broader efforts to restore public trust in governance and ensure that local government structures reflect the values of transparency and ethical leadership.
With decentralisation a central theme in Mahama’s governance reset agenda, ensuring integrity among the ranks of MMDCEs is seen as crucial to fostering development at the grassroots level.
Observers note that Mahama’s renewed emphasis on constitutional compliance could serve as a litmus test for his administration’s fight against public sector corruption.
Ghana has in recent years faced scrutiny over issues of financial mismanagement and opaque dealings at both national and local levels.
In reinforcing the directive, Mahama reminded the MMDCEs that public office is not a private entitlement but a public trust.
“You are custodians of public funds and the people’s confidence. Lead by example,” he concluded.
