Former Auditor General Daniel Yao Domelevo has called on President Akufo-Addo to reduce the number of ministers and other public office holders as one of the critical ways of fighting corruption, arguing that the size of government is too large.

Mr Domelevo, who has expressed concern about alarming corruption levels in the current administration, suggested the dismissal of many ministers and officials as they consume a significant portion of the country’s assets and resources, which drains the nation.

In an interview on the AM Show on Friday, Domelevo emphasised that government accountability is crucial in the fight against corruption. “The size of the government is too big. If we can save about a quarter of it over the remaining five months, it will be beneficial,” he asserted. “Reduce the number of appointees, reduce the number of ministers, reduce personnel at the regional and district levels. This reduction should be comprehensive, not just at the top.”

Mr Domelevo argued that these actions could prevent the continuous depletion of the country’s resources and help curb corruption. He stressed that the government should take firm steps to recover stolen state assets and resources, and prosecute those responsible.

“Issue an ultimatum to your appointees to return all illicitly acquired assets by the end of the month, or face prosecution. Future administrations may decide to continue or discontinue these prosecutions.”

He further explained that the government needs to be resolute and communicate clearly to its appointees: “I will prosecute you, and if I’m fortunate, I will secure convictions before my term ends. Recover state assets and resources that have been looted and ensure they are returned. Address those in government who have improperly acquired state land and other assets.”

Domelevo also mentioned that this approach would benefit the country if implemented correctly

“Recover all lands and assets to the government, including those acquired by previous regimes if they were not obtained properly. Give them a one-month deadline to comply, or face the consequences,” he advised. “This would significantly reduce corruption and aid the country.”

He suggested that curbing wasteful spending and reducing unnecessary borrowing would improve the economy. “We need to stop excessive borrowing and wasteful expenditures. It's disheartening to hear of funds being allocated for projects that haven't even started. These issues must be addressed.

Finally, Mr Domelevo urged Ghanaians to hold their leaders accountable, especially during election years. “We should not accept unfulfilled promises from politicians. Ask them how they plan to achieve their promises, the sources of funding, and their key performance indicators. If they fail, they should be held accountable. It’s crucial to stop taking the public for granted and to follow through on commitments.”

Read also: You see corruption everywhere; it’s alarming under this government – Domelevo

He concluded with a reflection on the nature of political promises, “One of the things that baffles me is how politicians can lie to the people, fail to fulfill their promises, and then return with even more promises. I don’t know what is in the DNA of politicians, we must stop taking the people for granted and do what we can do" he added.