Former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo has called on Ghanaians to prioritize fairness, accountability, trustworthiness, honesty, equity, and respect for diverse opinions when casting their votes in the December 7 elections.
Speaking at a public forum titled “Curbing Illicit Financial Flows Through Accountable Governance: The Role of Media” on December 3, Domelevo emphasized the critical role of principled leadership in addressing governance challenges and steering Ghana towards sustainable progress.
Domelevo’s appeal comes as Ghanaians prepare for presidential and parliamentary elections amid growing concerns over governance, corruption, and a lack of transparency in political leadership. He urged citizens to vote for leaders who demonstrate fairness and meritocracy over political affiliations or tribal considerations.
“I entreat you all to vote for a leader who is a father—a fair leader,” Domelevo remarked passionately. “A fair leader gives based on merit, not because you belong to their party or tribe. They reward those who deserve it, and that is the kind of fatherly leadership Ghana needs.”
Highlighting the urgent need to curb corruption and illicit financial flows, Domelevo expressed serious concerns about the sources of funding for political parties and the extravagant displays of wealth by some politicians. He emphasized the need for transparency in political financing and called on the media to play an active role in exposing corruption.
“I have always been worried about the financing of political parties,” he noted. “Where do they get the money from? The extravagance displayed on TV is alarming. Sometimes, you hear about an MP building multiple properties, and I ask myself, where did the money come from?”
Reflecting on his time as Auditor-General, Domelevo explained that the salaries of Members of Parliament are not significantly higher than his former position, making it improbable for their wealth to stem solely from legitimate earnings. “Trust me, no MP has a salary higher than the Auditor-General when I was in office. Yet, there is no way I could afford such extravagance. This indicates the existence of unknown sources of funding that must be scrutinized.”
Domelevo stressed that combating corruption requires a collective effort, particularly involving the media. He described transparency as the most effective remedy to corruption, emphasizing that public scrutiny deters individuals from engaging in unethical practices.
“Once people know they are being watched, they are less likely to engage in corrupt activities,” he asserted. “This is why it’s time to encourage everyone to fight illicit financial flows and corruption. The media has a vital role to play in this effort, as their work shines a light on practices that would otherwise remain hidden.”
In addition to addressing corruption, Domelevo weighed in on the controversy surrounding the National Cathedral project. He backed calls by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) for a forensic audit into the project’s finances and supported potential prosecutions of the board of trustees if any financial irregularities are uncovered.
“The National Cathedral project has raised serious questions about financial oversight,” Domelevo observed. “I support CHRAJ’s call for a forensic audit and accountability. If the findings reveal any wrongdoing, those responsible must face prosecution. This is a critical step in restoring public trust in governance and ensuring that such issues are not repeated in future projects.”
Domelevo also urged the public to demand integrity and accountability from their leaders, pointing out that strong governance is the foundation of national development. He called on voters to use their ballots as a tool to elect individuals who will prioritize the country’s well-being over personal or partisan interests.
“This is a defining moment for Ghana,” he said. “We need leaders who are committed to serving the people and upholding the principles of good governance. Let us all do our part by voting wisely on December 7.”
His remarks at the forum resonated strongly with attendees, as the country grapples with challenges such as corruption, economic mismanagement, and a lack of transparency in public office. Domelevo’s emphasis on the role of the media in exposing unethical practices and fostering accountability underscores the need for a united front against corruption.
He concluded by urging all Ghanaians to remain vigilant and to hold leaders accountable, emphasizing that the fight against corruption is a shared responsibility. “The greatest remedy to corruption is transparency,” he reiterated. “We must all play our part, whether as citizens, media professionals, or civil society organizations, to ensure that Ghana moves forward with integrity and fairness.”
As Election Day approaches, Domelevo’s message serves as a timely reminder of the qualities that should define Ghana’s next generation of leaders. His call for principled leadership aligns with the aspirations of many Ghanaians who desire a future rooted in accountability, equity, and good governance.
In a political climate marked by public dissatisfaction with corruption and governance challenges, Domelevo’s advocacy highlights the urgent need for leaders who inspire trust and prioritize the needs of the people. His message to voters is clear: the power to shape Ghana’s future lies in their hands, and the December 7 elections present an opportunity to demand better leadership for the nation.
