Daniel Domelevo Pushes for Public Office Holders Conduct Bill to Curb Corruption in Ghana

Introduction

Ghana’s fight against corruption has reached a critical juncture with a bold proposal from a prominent figure in public accountability. Daniel Yaw Domelevo, the former Auditor-General and former Board Chair of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), has publicly advocated for the enactment of a Public Office Holders Conduct Bill. This proposed legislation aims to plug legal loopholes, enforce transparency, and strictly regulate the conduct of public officials to prevent the illicit accumulation of wealth. Speaking on Nhyria FM’s “Kro Yi Mu Nsem,” Domelevo outlined a comprehensive strategy to curb corruption, ranging from mandatory asset declarations to strict anti-nepotism measures. This article explores the details of his advocacy, the legal mechanisms proposed, and the potential impact on Ghana’s governance landscape.

Key Points

At the heart of Daniel Domelevo’s advocacy are specific, actionable measures designed to institutionalize integrity within the Ghanaian public sector. The proposed Public Office Holders Conduct Bill is not just a suggestion for moral improvement but a legal framework intended to enforce accountability.

The Core Objective

The primary goal of the bill is to curb corruption by establishing a formal mechanism for transparency. It seeks to eliminate the culture of “get-rich-quick” schemes that some public officials engage in immediately after assuming office.

Asset Declaration and Scrutiny

A cornerstone of the proposal is the mandatory submission of annual asset declarations to the Auditor-General. Crucially, Domelevo insists that these declarations must not be mere formalities. The Auditor-General’s office would be empowered to examine these assets and publish the findings, allowing the public to verify that officials are not living beyond their legitimate means.

Anti-Nepotism Measures

Domelevo has sounded the alarm on “family-and-friends” governance. The bill advocates for restrictions preventing multiple family members from holding government positions simultaneously. This is intended to stop the monopolization of the public purse by a single clan.

Background

To understand the urgency of the Public Office Holders Conduct Bill, one must look at the context of public service in Ghana. Daniel Domelevo, a seasoned chartered accountant and former Auditor-General, has built a reputation as a fierce anti-corruption crusader. His tenure at the Auditor-General’s office was marked by the “Operation Alpha” initiative, which sought to recover state funds lost to corruption.

Despite the existence of other anti-graft bodies like the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Domelevo believes a specific legislative instrument is missing. The current legal framework often struggles to prove the “source of wealth” for officials who suddenly acquire luxury properties and vehicles. The proposed bill aims to fill this gap by creating a proactive rather than reactive system of checks and balances.

Analysis

Daniel Domelevo’s call for a Public Office Holders Conduct Bill represents a significant shift from relying on criminal prosecution to utilizing administrative and legislative prevention.

The “Sudden Wealth” Syndrome

Domelevo highlighted a common phenomenon where individuals, upon entering public office, rapidly amass wealth that baffles their peers. He noted, “You’ll understand that a friend you’ve known from the beginning of your life can enter politics, secure a government post, and within a couple of months start accumulating wealth.” The analysis suggests that without a strict declaration law, the source of wealth remains obscured, making it difficult to prosecute corruption under existing laws which often require proof of direct bribery or embezzlement. The bill shifts the burden of proof regarding lifestyle audits.

The Economic Impact of Nepotism

Domelevo’s criticism of “family-and-friends” executive governance touches on broader economic implications. When a single family monopolizes government appointments, it creates an artificial scarcity of opportunities for the wider populace. This not only fuels social unrest but also drains the Ghanaian taxpayer’s money. By referencing international bodies like the World Bank, Domelevo underscores that these standards are not arbitrary but align with global best practices for institutional integrity.

Legal Implications

If passed, this bill would create a distinct legal obligation for public office holders. Failure to declare assets or the discovery of unexplainable wealth could lead to administrative sanctions, civil forfeiture of assets, or trigger criminal investigations. It strengthens the hand of the Auditor-General, transforming the office from a mere financial inspector to a guardian of ethical standards in public life.

Practical Advice

For Ghanaian citizens, civil society organizations, and policymakers, the advocacy for the Public Office Holders Conduct Bill offers a roadmap for civic engagement.

How Citizens Can Support the Bill

1. Civic Education: Citizens should educate themselves and others on the importance of asset declaration. Understanding why a public official’s wealth matters is the first step in demanding accountability.

2. Engagement with Parliament: Civil society groups should petition the Parliament of Ghana to prioritize the drafting and passage of this bill. Public pressure is essential to get it onto the legislative agenda.

3. Monitoring Appointees: Until the bill becomes law, the public should continue to scrutinize the lifestyles of public officials. If the bill passes, the public will have a legal mandate to demand these disclosures.

Advice for Public Officials

For current and aspiring public office holders, the message is clear: transparency is the new currency. Preparing accurate financial records and adhering to ethical standards is no longer optional. Officials should voluntarily adopt strict internal compliance measures regarding family employment to align with the likely direction of future legislation.

FAQ

Conclusion

Daniel Domelevo’s call for a Public Office Holders Conduct Bill is a pivotal moment in Ghana’s governance discourse. By targeting the “source of wealth” and restricting nepotistic practices, the proposed bill offers a structural solution to the endemic issue of corruption. It moves beyond moral appeals to enforceable legal standards. If implemented, this legislation could significantly restore public trust in government institutions, ensuring that public office remains a service to the nation rather than a vehicle for personal enrichment. The onus is now on legislative bodies and the citizenry to champion this cause to fruition.