President John Dramani Mahama has introduced detailed provisions on conflicts of interest, gifts, travel, and state assets in a new Code of Conduct for all political appointees.
The code of conduct outlines specific rules that appointees must follow.
In his address at the official launch of the code of conduct at the Jubilee house on Monday, the president mentioned several key areas outlined in the code.
“All political appointees must serve the public with integrity and impartiality, must place the national interest above their personal interest, must avoid misuse of office or state resources,” he stated.
According to the President, the Code strictly prohibits appointees from accepting gifts that could influence their decisions.
“Appointees are prohibited from accepting gifts or favors, especially from companies or individuals with interest in governmental decisions,” he said.
The code states that gifts valued above 20,000 Ghana cedis must be declared, and appointees must surrender such gifts upon leaving office unless given express permission to keep them.
President Mahama also addressed the use of public funds for hampers and gifts.
“No government funds, including internally generated funds, are to be used to purchase or distribute hampers,” he added.
On travel regulations, the Code requires all official or unofficial trips outside Ghana to receive prior approval from the Chief of Staff’s office.
“After each official trip, a report must be submitted on the trip and any imprests retired within 14 days after your return,” the President explained.
One of the most notable provisions is the complete ban on the purchase of state assets.
“No political appointee under this administration is permitted to purchase state assets, whether land, vehicles, shares, or buildings directly or indirectly,” President Mahama declared, adding that violation would result in termination.
The President made it clear that the Code applies broadly across the government without exception.
“Though the document often uses the term minister, it applies broadly to deputy ministers as well, to presidential staffers, to chief executive officers and their deputies, to members of the Council of State, to board members, and other political appointees within the executive arm of government. And I include myself..
“It applies to my vice president, myself, the president, the chief of staff, the executive secretary, all advisors, all of us are bound by this Code of Conduct. This is a government of shared responsibility, and there will be no sacred cows,” the President stressed.
In efforts to engage citizens onmontoroing compliance with the code, President Mahama announced that a portal will be created for the public to report suspected breaches with guarantees of confidentiality and impartial investigation.
The President emphasized his personal commitment to enforcing the Code’s provisions. “Let me assure you that these sanctions are not cosmetic, they’ll be enforced. And I’ll not hesitate to act firmly and decisively, no matter who is involved,” he warned.
“Kindly do not put me in a position where I have to make that drastic choice, because when it comes to protecting the integrity of this government, I will not compromise,” the President added.
The Code establishes a range of sanctions for violations, including public apology, reprimand, suspension, forced resignation, and termination..
The Code of Conduct forms part of President Mahama’s broader agenda to restore public trust in government institutions, which he referenced as part of his “120-day social contract with the people of Ghana.”
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
