Justice Amaleboba Calls for Legal Overhaul to Enforce Asset Declaration Sanctions
Supreme Court nominee says a constitutional instrument is key to closing enforcement gaps in asset declaration laws
- Justice Amaleboba proposes a Constitutional Instrument (C.I.) to enforce asset declaration laws
- Says legal clarity is needed to limit presidential discretion in sanctioning non-compliant appointees
- Calls current constitutional review a timely opportunity to strengthen enforcement mechanisms
Supreme Court nominee Justice Hafisatu Amaleboba has suggested the creation of a constitutional instrument (C.I.) aimed at reinforcing the enforcement of asset declaration laws for public officials.
During her vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, Justice Amaleboba made the recommendation in response to a question from Minority Leader and Ranking Member Alexander Afenyo-Markin. He referenced recent actions by President John Dramani Mahama, who sanctioned appointees for failing to declare their assets within a given deadline.
Afenyo-Markin posed a question on how the president’s role in enforcing asset declaration laws could be limited to uphold constitutional integrity.
In response, Justice Amaleboba pointed to the Constitution’s allowance for a C.I. to be introduced as a means of providing clarity and structure to the current process, particularly in regard to sanctions. She emphasized that this would offer a clear and lawful framework for enforcement.
“The only constraint I recognize under the Constitution is the lack of a C.I. that outlines the necessary guidelines,” she said, adding that such an instrument could resolve existing gaps.
Justice Amaleboba further highlighted that the ongoing constitutional review process offers a timely chance to implement such measures, ensuring a more consistent and legally robust system for holding public officials accountable.
