President John Dramani Mahama
The Centre for Local Governance Advocacy (CLGA) has lauded President John Dramani Mahama for his recent call urging Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to declare their assets, describing the move as both timely and crucial for strengthening accountability in local governance.
In a statement issued on June 19, 2025, the CLGA emphasised that President Mahama’s call is not only a constitutional reminder but also a significant step toward enhancing transparency and integrity within Ghana’s decentralised governance system.
However, the advocacy group stressed that for the initiative to be truly effective and comprehensive, it must be expanded beyond MMDCEs to include Assembly Members as well.
“To fully institutionalise transparency at the local level, it is imperative that Assembly Members are also included in this national conversation,” the CLGA stated.
“As elected officials and custodians of the public trust, they play a vital role in shaping local development, approving budgets, and overseeing public spending,” it added.
The organisation pointed to Article 286 of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates all public office holders, whether elected or appointed, at national or local levels, to declare their assets.
Despite this constitutional requirement, the CLGA noted that public discourse and enforcement have often overlooked Assembly Members, even though they exert significant influence over resource allocation and development planning within Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
“Assembly Members are not merely representatives of electoral areas; they are local legislators and fiscal stewards,” the CLGA added.
“They approve budgets and development plans, serve on executive and sub-committees, and participate in procurement and policy decisions. They must therefore be held to the same standards of accountability as all other public officials.”
The group outlined key responsibilities of Assembly Members, including:
• Approving budgets and development plans for the Assembly
• Serving on the Executive Committee
• Chairing or participating in key sub-committees such as Finance and Administration
• Participating in statutory committees that influence procurement and planning
• Exercising oversight over local projects, contracts, and expenditure
The CLGA concluded by reiterating that requiring asset declarations from Assembly Members is not just about meeting legal obligations, it is about fostering a culture of integrity in local governance and restoring public confidence in Ghana’s democratic institutions.
