Former Auditor General Daniel Yaw Domelevo has called for a more thorough process when it comes to verifying the assets and liabilities of public officials.

Mr Domlevo emphasised the need for the Auditor-General's office to go beyond merely making asset declarations public, arguing that physical verification must be a key component in the process.

Speaking on Joy News’ AM Show on Wednesday, February 19, Mr Domlevo outlined the shortcomings of the current asset declaration system.

He stressed that simply filling out forms and submitting them to authorities does not guarantee the accuracy of the declared information.

“Beyond making it public, the Auditor General must verify the assets. In fact, when you say I have declared something to you, I don’t think it is when I fill out a form and give it to you. It is when I see the things you are declaring,” Mr Domlevo stated.

According to Domlevo, it is not enough for officials to claim ownership of high-value assets, such as real estate or luxury goods, without a deeper investigation.

He used the example of a six-story building, suggesting that if a public official declares such an asset, the Auditor-General’s office should physically visit the property.

"So if they say you have a house which is a six-storey building, I must go and see the house and see the title, and documents which show that it is your house," he explained

This would ensure that the building exists and that the proper legal documentation, such as a title deed, is in place to confirm ownership.

Mr Domlevo further emphasised that verifying both assets and liabilities is essential for maintaining the integrity of the public sector. He believes this added step would contribute significantly to transparency, ensuring that officials are held accountable for their financial dealings.

"So physical verification of the assets and the liabilities I think will be very necessary," he mentioned

While the idea of physical verification may be seen as a more time-consuming approach, Mr Domlevo argues that it is necessary to ensure that the assets declared by public officials are legitimate and reflect their true financial standing.

His comments come after President Mahama submitted his forms and also ordered his appointees to declare their assets by March or face sanctions.

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