The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has urged public officers, particularly those in the new government and the ninth Parliament, to declare their assets before taking office in compliance with constitutional provisions.

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In a statement released on Thursday, January 16, CHRAJ emphasized the necessity for public officials to uphold ethical standards, avoid conflicts of interest, and demonstrate integrity in their service to the nation.

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The Commission reiterated that public office is a position of trust, requiring the highest accountability and dedication to the public good. As stated in Article 284 of the 1992 Constitution, public officers must ensure their personal interests do not conflict with their official duties.

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CHRAJ also highlighted the legal requirement under Article 286(1) of the Constitution and the Public Office Holders (Declaration of Assets and Disqualification) Act, 1998 (Act 550), which mandates public officers to declare their assets and liabilities to the Auditor-General before assuming office.

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The Commission expressed concern that many public officers remain unaware of or ignore these constitutional obligations, leading to unethical conduct and governance challenges.

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"The Commission notes from experience that public officers have either treated the Code of Conduct with contempt or, as in the case of new public officers, simply ignorant of the same, thereby occasioning all manner of unethical conduct and behaviour," the statement read.

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To address this, CHRAJ urged public officers to comply with asset declaration requirements and acquaint themselves with the Code of Conduct immediately.

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"Consequently, the Commission urges public officers of the new government and the ninth Parliament in particular, and all public officers generally, to take immediate steps to apprise themselves of the Code of Conduct and to declare their assets in accordance with the law before taking office," CHRAJ stated.

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Furthermore, the Commission called on the government to expedite the passage of the Conduct of Public Officers Bill to reinforce the legal framework for ethical governance.

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