Two automobiles that President John Dramani Mahama had received as presents from two automakers were given to the state on Monday.
President Mahama’s spokesperson, Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, gave the two vehicles to Mr. Julius Debrah, the Presidency’s chief of staff, so they could be added to the government’s fleet.
Together, Mr. Debrah and Dr. Valerie Sawyerr, Senior Presidential Advisor, Governmental Affairs, accepted the two vehicles.
The presentation was given in the Accra Presidency when the President unveiled the Code of Ethics and Conduct of Ministers.
Mr. Ofosu reaffirmed that President Mahama was setting an example for the country.
In his remarks during the Code of Ethics and Conduct’s unveiling, President Mahama said the Code was a bold statement of the norms that public servants must adhere to.
He claimed that it demonstrated the dedication to creating a government that was moral, receptive, and deserving of the confidence of the populace.
“Let me be clear. This document is not a ceremonial one. It is a living and enforceable framework that outlines what is expected of every individual appointed under this administration,” he said.
Despite the fact that the term “Minister” was used frequently in the document, the President reaffirmed that it applied to him, the Vice President, Ministers of State, Deputy Ministers, Members of the Council of State, Presidential Staffers, Chief Executive Officers and their Deputies, Board Members, and other political appointees in the Executive Arm of Government.
“This is a government of shared responsibility, and there will be no sacred cows. Why do we need a Code of Conduct? Because we must build a new political culture, one that is rooted in transparency, humility, and ethical leadership,” the President said.
“Ghanaians deserve leaders who serve with honour and put the public interest ahead of their personal gain.”
The purpose of the Code, according to President Mahama, is to direct the activities and decisions of officeholders and to clearly outline the repercussions of failure.
His appointees were forbidden from accepting gifts or favors, he claimed, especially from businesses or anyone who had a stake in political decisions.
“If a gift is received during an official engagement and its estimated value exceeds GH¢20,000.00, it must be declared,” he said.
“Strict compliance with this code will restore confidence in the political elite and help to consolidate our democracy.
“And so I expect all of you to do your best to abide by the code. Let us walk this path together with discipline, with humility, and with an unyielding commitment to the people of Ghana,” President Mahama said.
The President stated that unless specifically allowed to keep it, the gift must be turned over when the President leaves office.
State Ministers and other president-appointed officials were reminded to follow the Code of Ethics and Conduct by Mr. Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff at the Presidency.
“An aspect of governance is like running a boarding school. There need to be checks and balances, rules and regulations that tell you not to walk around during prep hours. The same thing applies to what we’re doing here,” the Chief of Staff said.
“And so, I will encourage each and every one of you, once you get your copy, to study it just like your Bible. Because there shall never be any excuse whatsoever when you cross the line.”
President Mahama donates two cars to the State