Former Minister for Trade and Industry, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, has emphasized the importance of public office holders declaring and publishing their assets as a crucial step in promoting transparency and combating corruption.
During an interview with Berla Mundi on TV3’s New Day show on September 27, 2023, Mr. Alan Kyerematen expressed his belief that individuals seeking public office, especially at senior levels, should be willing to declare and have their assets published for public scrutiny.
He asserted, “Once you decide to go into public office, particularly at the senior level, then it’s not just a question of declaration but also wide publication of the assets.” This statement was made in response to concerns that the current asset declaration regime for public office holders, which does not require them to make their assets public, is inadequate in addressing corruption.
Mr. Kyerematen further elaborated on the need for transparency, stating, “It is only because you are going into public office, and there must be a sense of propriety and integrity, so there should be nothing to hide. If you have reasons why you don’t want your assets to be known, then you should understand that the job might not be suitable for you.”
Alan Kyerematen’s call for greater transparency in asset declaration comes after his resignation from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on September 25, 2023. He declared his intention to run as an independent candidate in the 2024 presidential election, establishing the Movement for Change, with the Monarch Butterfly as its symbol. His advocacy for transparency in asset declaration aligns with his commitment to addressing corruption and promoting good governance in Ghana’s political landscape.