An important step toward greater accountability, transparency, and moral government has been taken with the introduction of a thorough Code of Conduct and Ethics by President John Mahama for all political appointments.
A significant pledge made during the general election in 2024 as part of the President’s 120-day Social Contract with the Ghanaian people is fulfilled with the unveiling.
Members of the executive branch, such as the president, vice president, ministers and deputy ministers, and presidential staff, are subject to the code of conduct.
“This Code represents a bold declaration of the standards we must uphold as servants of the public,” President Mahama stated during the launch ceremony at the Presidency.”
“It is a living and enforceable framework that outlines what is expected of every individual appointed under this administration. This is a government of shared responsibility, and there will be no sacred cows.”
The Code of Conduct is founded on fundamental ideas meant to advance a new political culture centered on openness, modesty, and moral leadership. Important clauses stipulate that all political appointees must:
- Serve the public with integrity and impartiality
- Place the national interest above personal interests
- Avoid misuse of office or state resources
- Declare and manage any potential conflicts of interest
- Eschew opulence and be accountable for the use of public funds
- Demonstrate humility in service, measured language, and respect for citizens
By requiring disclosure of any circumstance in which personal interests may clash with official duties, the Code of Conduct sets strict principles for managing and preventing conflicts of interest.
Certain restrictions include providing contracts to affiliated entities, exploiting insider information for personal gain, and owning stock in businesses that do business with the government or pertinent ministries.
In order to preserve objectivity and avoid undue influence, the Code forbids appointees from receiving gifts or favors, especially from people or businesses with a stake in political outcomes.
Gifts over GH¢20,000.00 given on official engagements must be reported and turned in when one leaves office, unless the president authorizes an exception.
Generally speaking, government funds cannot be used to buy or distribute hampers, with the exception of small staff appreciation.
The Chief of Staff’s office must give its prior clearance before any Minister travels abroad, whether official or informal. Within 14 days after return, a report and retirement of impressed funds are required.
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares) would lose three months’ worth of salary to appointees who do not declare their assets by the March 31, 2025, deadline, President Mahama emphasized.
Noncompliant appointees will also have to contribute an extra month’s salary to the Mahama Cares Trust Fund, for a total donation of four months’ compensation. “However, if by the close of Wednesday, 7th of May 2025, any of you still fail to declare your assets, count yourself as automatically dismissed.”
“Strict compliance with this code will restore confidence in the political elite and help to consolidate our democracy,” President Mahama concluded. “Let us walk this path together with discipline, humility, and an unyielding commitment to the people of Ghana.”
As a sign of his dedication to the Code’s tenets, President Mahama, through Presidential Spokesperson and Minister of State for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu, gave Chief of Staff Julius Debrah two cars that were donated by a car manufacturer to be added to the government vehicle pool.
Source: newsthemegh.com