Accra: President John Dramani Mahama on Monday unveiled a Code of Ethics and Conduct for his Ministers and appointees, charging them to abide by it. The Code is intended to regulate the conduct of the President’s appointees, thereby ensuring transparency and accountability in Government. The launch of the Code, which took place at the Presidency in Accra, was attended by Ministers of State, Presidential Staffers, and Chief Directors from various Ministries.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama noted in his address that the unveiling of the Code of Ethics and Conduct was in fulfillment of his 2024 campaign promise to restore discipline, integrity, and accountability into the nation’s governance within the first 120 days of his administration. He emphasized that the Code represents a bold declaration of the standards they must uphold as servants of the public and reflects their commitment to building a government that is ethical, responsive, and worthy of the people’s trust.
President Mahama clarified that the document is not merely ceremonial but a living and enforceable framework that outlines what is expected of every individual appointed under his administration. He reiterated that although the document often uses the term Minister, it applies broadly to the President, 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 within the Executive Arm of Government.
The President stressed that Ghanaians deserve leaders who serve with honor and put the public interest ahead of personal gain. The Code was designed to guide actions and decision-making, and to clearly state the consequences for falling short. Key principles include serving the public with integrity and impartiality, placing national interests above personal ones, avoiding misuse of office or state resources, declaring and managing potential conflicts of interest, eschewing opulence, being accountable for public money spent, and maintaining humility and respect towards citizens.
President Mahama highlighted the need to avoid conflicts between personal interests and official duties, such as holding stakes in companies dealing with the government or respective ministries, using insider knowledge for personal benefit, or awarding contracts to entities connected to an appointee or close family. Disclosure of any such interests must be made in writing to the President’s office, with failure resulting in disciplinary action. Appointees are also forbidden from making decisions that benefit relatives and close friends or accepting gifts or favors from interested companies or individuals.
The President specified that any gift received during official engagements with an estimated value exceeding GHS20,000.00 must be declared, and upon leaving office, such gifts must be surrendered unless expressly permitted to retain them by the President. Strict compliance with the code is expected to restore confidence in the political elite and help consolidate democracy.
Mr. Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff at the Presidency, urged Ministers of State and other appointees to abide by the Code of Ethics and Conduct, likening governance to running a boarding school where checks and balances, rules, and regulations are necessary. He encouraged each appointee to study the Code diligently, as there would be no excuse for crossing the line.
