Movement for Change is calling for compulsory asset declaration and lifestyle audits
The canker of corruption remains one of the biggest challenges confronting Ghana. While successive governments have spoken passionately about tackling the menace, little progress has been made in effectively addressing it.
Alan Kyerematen’s Movement for Change has emphasized the need for a more radical and institutionalized approach, warning that Ghana risks falling into the familiar pattern of “No Action, Talk Only” (NATO) if concrete measures are not taken.
At a press conference held at the headquarters of the Movement in Accra on February 18, 2025, the group outlined a plan to fight corruption effectively.
The event, led by the spokesperson of the Movement, Andrew Appiah Danquah, highlighted the need for a more aggressive, structured, and independent approach to tackling corruption.
“While the government’s recent efforts, such as the establishment of the ORAL Team and the actions of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) may signal progress, these measures alone are insufficient.”
“The ongoing investigations, including those involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, provide an opportunity for due process to take its course. However, the Movement for Change insists that systemic reforms are needed to ensure that corruption is tackled comprehensively and not selectively,” he explained.
As part of its Great Transformational Plan (GTP), the Movement for Change has outlined six key measures to curb corruption. The first is the creation of an Anti-Corruption Czar with full constitutional backing.
This office, which would replace the current Special Prosecutor’s establishment, would have prosecutorial powers protected under the Constitution, making it immune from political interference.
The movement believes that as an independent constitutional body, the Czar would be better equipped to take on corruption without fear or favor.
Another key proposal is the consolidation of all anti-corruption laws into a single legal framework. Currently, multiple institutions – including the OSP, EOCO, CHRAJ, the Police CID, and National Security – handle corruption cases, leading to confusion and inefficiency.
The Movement for Change argues that merging these laws into a unified Anti-Corruption Act will ensure clarity, define corruption-related offenses explicitly, and introduce stringent penalties for offenders, especially political appointees and public officials.
The Movement for Change also called for compulsory asset declaration and lifestyle audits for public officials.
The group insists that periodic and verifiable asset declarations, coupled with real-time monitoring of unexplained wealth, will serve as a strong deterrent against corruption.
“This will prevent public officials from illegally amassing wealth while in office,” it noted.
In addition, the movement is pushing for procurement system reforms to eliminate political patronage and cronyism. It believes that Ghana’s current procurement system is riddled with corruption, where contracts are awarded based on political affiliations rather than merit.
“Reforming procurement laws will ensure greater transparency and accountability in public sector spending.”
Recognizing the role of citizens in fighting corruption, the Movement for Change is proposing the introduction of an Anti-Corruption Citizens’ Charter to empower Ghanaians to act as watchdogs.
This initiative will provide strong legal protections for whistleblowers and offer incentives to those who expose corruption.
Additionally, the movement also wants greater support for civil society organizations advocating against corruption, ensuring that no government official – regardless of rank – can manipulate the system for personal gain.
The Movement for Change is urging President Mahama to take tougher actions on corruption beyond mere rhetoric. It insists that the fight against corruption must be institutionalized through strong laws and independent bodies, rather than relying on political will.
Without bold reforms, corruption will continue to cripple the nation’s progress and deepen public distrust in government.
