Former Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Charlotte Osei, has called for critical reforms to Ghana’s asset declaration system following the alarming findings of a recent report by the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana). The report highlights the soaring costs of winning elections in the country, with presidential and parliamentary campaigns now requiring a staggering $150 million and an additional GHS 10 million. These figures underscore the growing monetization of Ghana’s electoral process, a trend that experts argue is contributing to corruption and undermining public accountability.
Speaking at an event, Charlotte Osei, who is also a member of the Constitutional Review Committee, emphasized the importance of revising the asset declaration regime as part of efforts to curb corruption among public officeholders. Osei noted that the current system has proven ineffective in promoting transparency, particularly among top public officials. She called for reforms that would ensure more rigorous checks on the assets of public figures, stressing that a thorough, verified declaration of assets should be a requirement when officials assume office.
Osei pointed out that the constitution mandates public office holders, including those in state-owned enterprises or those with state interests, to declare their assets. However, she expressed concern over the lack of enforcement and the limited scope of the current system. Her remarks reflect growing concerns about the effectiveness of Ghana’s fight against corruption and its impact on democratic governance.
The CDD-Ghana’s report suggests that the rising costs of elections are reinforcing the idea that political success can be bought, a situation that many believe is eroding public trust in democratic institutions. Osei’s call for an overhaul of the asset declaration process is seen as a timely intervention in addressing these concerns. By implementing a more robust and transparent system, public trust in the political system could be restored, helping to reduce the influence of money in Ghana’s elections and strengthening the country’s democratic foundations.
Osei’s proposal adds to a broader conversation about the role of asset declarations in maintaining integrity among public officials and curbing corruption. As Ghana continues to grapple with these challenges, her recommendations may play a key role in shaping the future of the nation’s political landscape.
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