Lifestyle audits, according to former Auditor General Dominic Domelevo, can assist uncover unexplained wealth and hold people accountable, particularly those in public position.
He clarified that many people avoid accountability since it is frequently difficult to prove wrongdoing beyond a reasonable doubt.
“Some jurisdictions, they are more proactive to say that once you have been able to establish that this is in your hand – and I think that even in Ghana, the narcotic law if they find drugs in your possession, it is for you to explain it,” Mr. Domelevo said on Wednesday, May 8, while appearing on HACK MASTER MIND’s Upfront.
He emphasized that the nation aims to implement this idea in order to fight corruption among those who hold public office.
It’s the same idea we’re looking for, Daniel. When you first entered public office, you claimed to have $1,000. However, by the time the investigations began or you were leaving office, we discovered that you had $10,000. This means you had an extra $9,000, which we cannot credit to your salary, and you also failed to present to us as a gift.
“You must demonstrate to us all that, in addition to that, either Mr. A, B, or C gave me the 9,000 to keep, or I won a lottery yesterday or two days ago, which is how I got that extra money,” he stated.
Mr. Domelevo emphasized that it becomes difficult if the prosecution bears the entire burden of demonstrating inexplicable riches.
He claimed that corrupt people hide their activities because they are aware of the repercussions.
I’m not suggesting that you have to establish your guilt, but if the evidence is not turned against the subject of the investigation, then no. We believe there is an offense that has to be pursued once you are unable to prove it.
He added, “You must also be able to prove to the court—not the prosecution—that the money comes from a legitimate source beyond a reasonable doubt.”
