Africa-Press – Ghana. 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 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 the various Ministries.
President Mahama in his address noted that he was unveiling the Code of Ethics and Conduct were in fulfillment of his 2024 Campaign promise to restore discipline, integrity, and accountability into the nation’s governance within the first 120-Day of his Administration.
He said the Code represents a bold declaration of the standards they must uphold as servants of the public.
Adding that it reflects their commitment to build a government that was ethical, responsive, and worthy of the people’s trust.
“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.
The President reiterated that although the document often uses the term Minister, it applies broadly to himself, 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.
“Ghanaians deserve leaders who serve with honor and put the public interest ahead of their personal gain.”
President Mahama said the Code was designed to guide their actions and decision-making, and to make clear the consequences that will happen when they fall short.
Highlighting on a few key principles and provisions of the Code, President Mahama said 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, must declare and manage any potential conflict of interest, must eschew opulence, be accountable for every city or public money you spend, and be humble in service, measured in language, and respect to citizens at all times.
“You are not in the office to wield power. You are here to serve the people of Ghana,” the President stated.
President Mahama said any situation that creates a conflict between an appointee’s personal interest and his official duties must be avoided or disclosed.
This includes holding stakes in companies that deal with governments or with their respective ministries, using insider knowledge for their personal benefit, awarding contracts to entities connected to an appointee or his close family.
He said if an appointee was a dominant partner in any business engaging with the government, even outside their ministry, he must disclose it in writing to the President’s office, adding that failure to do so would result in disciplinary action.
He charged them to avoid making decisions that benefit their relatives and close friends.
“You must not recommend them for contracts or appointments. If your actions give even the appearance of bias, you compromise the integrity of your office.”
He said appointees were prohibited from accepting gifts or favors, especially from companies or individuals with an interest in governmental 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.
The President said upon leaving office, the gift must be surrendered unless expressly permitted to retain it by the President.
President Mahama said: “Strict compliance with this code will restore confidence in the political elite and help to consolidate our democracy.
Mr Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff at the Presidency, urged Ministers of State and other appointees of the President to abide by the Code of Ethics and Conduct.
“An aspect of governance is like running a boarding school. There needs 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 are 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.”
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