Gov’t to introduce new bill to protect state assets – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Cabinet has directed the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, to draft a new State Assets Protection Bill aimed at safeguarding public property and preventing the arbitrary disposal of state-owned assets.

The President made the announcement while addressing participants at the Ghana Civil Society Forum 2026, where he outlined key governance reforms being pursued by his administration to strengthen accountability, transparency, and the prudent management of public resources.

According to President Mahama, the proposed legislation will establish a comprehensive legal framework governing the disposal, transfer, and management of state assets, ensuring that public properties are protected from misuse and unauthorized divestiture.

The President said Cabinet approved the initiation of the State Assets Protection Bill during its meeting and has instructed the Attorney-General to begin drafting the legislation.

“I’m also happy to announce to you that yesterday, Cabinet took a decision directing the Attorney General to draft a bill for the protection of state assets. It’s called the State Assets Protection Bill,” President Mahama stated.

He explained that the bill is intended to provide clear guidelines and procedures for the management and disposal of state-owned assets, including government lands, buildings, factories, industries, and other public properties.

According to him, the objective is to ensure that future governments are unable to dispose of valuable national assets without proper oversight and accountability mechanisms.

“It shows the guidelines under which any state asset can be disposed of, including lands, buildings, state assets, factories, industries, so that no government just capriciously disposes of state assets,” he added.

The proposed legislation is expected to form part of broader governance reforms aimed at improving transparency in public administration and safeguarding national resources for future generations.

For years, concerns have been raised by civil society organizations, governance experts, and political stakeholders over the management and disposal of state assets, particularly during transitions between governments.

The introduction of a dedicated legal framework is expected to enhance public confidence and create stronger institutional safeguards against the loss or misuse of public property.

Analysts believe the bill could also help improve accountability in state asset transactions by introducing stricter approval processes, enhanced oversight, and greater public disclosure requirements.

In addition to the proposed State Assets Protection Bill, President Mahama announced that Cabinet has approved the National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Plan (NEAP) 2026–2030.

The policy framework will serve as Ghana’s primary roadmap for tackling corruption and promoting ethical conduct across public institutions over the next five years.

According to the President, the approval of the new anti-corruption strategy demonstrates the government's determination to strengthen integrity systems and improve public sector governance.

The plan is expected to guide anti-corruption initiatives involving government agencies, civil society organizations, development partners, and other stakeholders in the fight against corruption.

President Mahama stressed that promoting ethical leadership and protecting public resources remain central pillars of his administration’s governance agenda.

He noted that strengthening accountability mechanisms and combating corruption are essential to restoring public trust in state institutions and ensuring sustainable national development.

The President said the approval of both the State Assets Protection Bill and the National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Plan signals the government's commitment to building stronger institutions capable of protecting the national interest.

Observers say the two initiatives could mark significant steps toward improving governance standards, enhancing transparency, and ensuring responsible stewardship of state resources.

Once drafted, the State Assets Protection Bill is expected to be submitted to Parliament for consideration and approval before becoming law.