IEA backs lifestyle audits and reverse burden of proof for public officials

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has endorsed plans to implement lifestyle and wealth audits for public officials, aimed at identifying unexplained wealth and curbing corruption. In its constitutional review statement released on September 2, 2026, the IEA advocated for these measures to be codified in the 1992 Constitution, rather than through regular legislation.

The Constitution Review Committee, led by Prof H. Kwasi Prempeh, proposed augmenting Article 286(4) by instituting mechanisms to examine unexplained spikes in the wealth of public officials.

The IEA recommends lifestyle and wealth audits, stricter deadlines for asset declarations, and a reversal of the burden of proof. This system would compel public officials to justify the lawful origin of assets or wealth that appears unusually large compared to their documented income. While the government prefers legislative implementation, the IEA contends that constitutional protection would render the requirements more robust and resistant to weakening.

"The IEA supports constitutionalising the Committee’s recommendations," the Institute affirmed. "The fight against corruption demands more than general principles; it necessitates clear, enforceable, and credible constitutional obligations that are challenging to amend."

The IEA emphasized that strengthening the asset declaration system would bolster accountability and expedite the detection of potential illicit enrichment among public officials. "A reinforced asset declaration regime would bolster accountability and furnish a stronger, more timely basis for identifying and addressing illicit enrichment by public officeholders," the Institute stated.

These proposals are part of the ongoing effort to amend the 1992 Constitution following the government's review of recommendations presented by the Prempeh Committee.