Security analyst, Ishmael Norman has called on authorities to trace and confiscate properties allegedly acquired with stolen state funds, even if such assets are registered in the names of relatives.
His call follows revelations by the Ministry of Finance(Ghana) that billions of cedis in public claims were rejected after an audit uncovered widespread irregularities in GH¢68.7 billion submitted by contractors and suppliers as outstanding payments at the end of 2024.
Speaking in an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue on Saturday, March 14, Dr Norman urged investigators to pursue assets acquired with allegedly stolen funds, regardless of whose name they are registered under.
“In terms of the acquisition of properties, they used the stolen money to acquire them. If they put them in their wives’ or mothers’ names, then it becomes a prosecutorial ring-fence—bring them in,” he said.
Dr Norman argued that strict punitive measures are necessary to deter corruption and even suggested the reintroduction of the death penalty for individuals found guilty of large-scale financial crimes.
He cited China as an example of a country that imposes harsh penalties for corruption.
The Ministry of Finance (Ghana) disclosed that GH¢45.4 billion out of the GH¢68.7 billion in claims submitted by contractors and suppliers has been validated for payment after a comprehensive audit and verification exercise. However, GH¢13.2 billion was flagged due to serious concerns.
The findings have been referred to the Office of the Attorney-General of Ghana and the Ministry of Justice (Ghana) for possible criminal prosecution.
The Finance Ministry has also introduced a “triple-lock” accountability framework aimed at preventing future financial losses and strengthening public sector accountability.
