Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has revealed initiatives aimed at safeguarding state assets. He announced his directive to the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice to draft a State Asset Protection Bill, intended for presentation to Parliament. This bill seeks to prevent the arbitrary disposal of state assets by political figures without adhering to due process.
According to Ghana Web, President Mahama also shared that Cabinet has greenlit the National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Plan for the next five years, pending Parliamentary approval. The State Asset Protection Bill aims to establish guidelines for the disposal of state assets, including lands, buildings, and industries, to prevent governments from capriciously disposing of them.
President Mahama disclosed these developments while inaugurating the 4th Ghana Civil Society Forum in Accra. The forum, organized by Star-Ghana, focused on 'Reimagining Partnerships for Democratic Consolidation and Inclusive Development' and included participants from various organizations such as the Institute of Democratic Governance and Transparency International Ghana.
Reaffirming his administration's dedication to transparent governance, President Mahama emphasized the critical role of civil society in shaping the democratic landscape. He called for the establishment of sustainable national systems to finance development and improve livelihoods, especially in light of dwindling global financing.
President Mahama proposed four new development compacts: increased domestic resource mobilization, stronger democratic institutions, enhanced accountability for development outcomes, and robust partnerships across society with local ownership of development processes. He urged Africa to shift its development focus from external support to self-reliance.
Highlighting the need for innovative financing mechanisms, the President encouraged embracing new models, such as local philanthropy and leveraging technology, to mobilize resources. He emphasized the government's commitment to fostering a policy environment conducive to innovation and sustainable development.
Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, the forum's convener, highlighted the need for civil society organizations to reassess their strategies in response to global challenges. Despite Ghana's democratic achievements, he noted underlying issues requiring immediate attention.