Several Ghanaian politicians have been found to own multi-million dollar properties abroad, particularly in Dubai. This revelation has sparked significant public interest and concern about the sources of their wealth and the implications for governance and transparency in Ghana.
One of the most notable figures is Inusah Fuseini, a former Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources. Fuseini is linked to 20 properties in Dubai, valued at over $6.2 million.
These properties are spread across various luxurious locations, including Jumeirah Village Triangle, Wyndham Dubai Marina, Millennium Palace, Sky City Central Hotel, and The One at Jumeirah Village Circle.
The sheer number and value of these properties have raised questions about how he acquired such wealth during his tenure in public office.
Another prominent figure is Moses Asaga, a former Minister of State and former Member of Parliament for Nabdam. Asaga, who also served as the CEO of the Ghana Petroleum Commission, is linked to a property in Dubai worth $133,100.
His involvement in the petroleum sector and subsequent acquisition of foreign property have led to speculations about potential conflicts of interest and misuse of public funds.
Justice Anthony Benin, a former justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana and the ECOWAS Court, is also implicated in the report. He is linked to two properties in Dubai, valued at a total of $412,300.
The involvement of a high-ranking judicial official in such a scandal has further eroded public trust in the judiciary and raised concerns about the integrity of the legal system.
Dr. Joseph Kwaku Asamoah, a former finance director of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, is registered as the co-owner of two properties in Dubai, costing a total of $623,600.
Although he claims that he did not pay for these properties and that they were acquired by another person, the lack of transparency and accountability in the acquisition process has drawn criticism.
These revelations were part of an investigative report named “Dubai Unlocked,” conducted by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) in collaboration with journalists from around the world.
The report uncovered that these Ghanaian politicians, along with other convicted criminals, fugitives, and sanctioned individuals, have used Dubai’s real estate market to stash their wealth.
Dubai’s reputation for financial secrecy, lack of property taxes, and political stability have made it an attractive destination for those looking to hide their assets.
The findings of this investigation have significant implications for Ghana’s political landscape. They highlight the need for stricter regulations and oversight to prevent public officials from engaging in corrupt practices and misusing public funds. Additionally, these revelations underscore the importance of transparency and accountability in governance to restore public trust and ensure that public resources are used for the benefit of all citizens.
The ownership of multi-million dollar properties abroad by Ghanaian politicians raises serious ethical and legal questions.
It is crucial for the government and relevant authorities to take swift action to investigate these allegations and hold those responsible accountable. Only through such measures can Ghana hope to combat corruption and promote good governance.