Flag bearer of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has in an exclusive interview with PeaceFM, debunked media speculations that he failed to re-declare his asset before leaving office in 2007 as a government appointee. He also dismissed reports that he has travelled out of the country ostensibly to seek medical attention.

Two pro-government newspapers, The Enquirer and the Daily Democrat, in their Wednesday, January 12th editions, carried publications to the effect that the renowned legal practitioner, among several former NPP government officials, faces a possible public inquiry for violating the law.

The caption on the front-page of the The Enquirer read: “Caught Pants Down…Nana, Jake In Asset Scandal As They Fail To Declare Assets” whiles that of the Daily Democrat was headlined: “Nana Addo, Jake For CHRAJ…Fail To Declare Assets More Than Two Years After Leaving Office”.

According to The Enquirer, apart from him, Jake Obetsebi Lamptey, National Chairman of the NPP who served as a Minister for Tourism and Diasporan Relations and was embroiled in an asset grabbing controversy also failed to declare his assets before exiting office.

Out of the numerous Ministers, Deputy Ministers of State and other government appointees that served under President J.A. Kufuor between 2001 and 2008, only 50 of them declared their assets. Out of the 50, only 27 re-declared their assets.

The publication sought to suggest that, per this development the NPP Flagbearer and the tall list of former government officials who failed to declare their assets, have acted in contravention of the 1992 Constitution and face being dragged before the Commission For Human Rights And Administrative Justice (CHRAJ).

As if to further make matters worse, the Central Regional Director of Communications for the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Bernard Allotey Jacobs, contributing to a panel discussion on PeaceFM’s Morning Show, “Kokrokoo”, alleged that the NPP Flagbearer had journeyed out of the country for medicals.

But speaking exclusively with Nana Yaw Kesse, sitting in for Kwami Sefa Kayi, regular host of the flagship programme “Kokrokoo”, the NPP Flagbearer denied travelling outside the country for medicals.

“I’m right here in Ghana and have been involved in a series of meetings with members of my team at the Mirage Hotel. Be assured that should I travel outside the country, I’ll let you be in the know…Some say I’m unwell; by the Grace of God I’m in the best of health…The Gentleman who claimed that I was ailing and had paid a visit to my medical doctor, well, I just want to state that I’m healthy and nothing of the sort had happened to me,” he assured.

Asked what he makes of the report that he failed to re-declare his assets after leaving office as Attorney General and Justice Minister, and might possibly be dragged before CHRAJ, Nana Addo was categorical that “in accordance with the law on assets declaration, I’ve done what is required of me.”

“The law states you should (declare your assets)…and I’ve done so in accordance with the law…CHRAJ is there for everyone…That’s what the law states (on assets re-declaration) and I’ve met its requirement…As someone who was once the Minister for Justice and Attorney-General, I know the law and what is expected of me and I’ve met my side of the bargain,” the NPP Flagbearer stated.

Article 286(1) of the 1992 Constitution states that A person who holds a public office mentioned in clause (5) of this article shall submit to the Auditor-General a written declaration of all property or assets owned by, or liabilities owed by him whether directly or indirectly.