Africa-Press – Ghana. President John Dramani Mahama on Monday donated to the State two cars he had received as gifts from two car manufacturing companies.
Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Presidential Spokesman and Minister of State in-charge of Government Communications, on behalf of President Mahama, presented the two cars to Mr Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff at the Presidency, to be added to the Government pool of vehicles.
The two cars were received jointly by Mr Debrah and Dr Valerie Sawyerr, Senior Presidential Advisor, Governmental Affairs.
The presentation took place during the unveiling of the Code of Ethics and Conduct of Minister by the President at the Presidency in Accra.
Mr Ofosu reiterated that President Mahama was leading the nation by example.
President Mahama in his remarks during the unveiling of the Code of Ethics and Conduct, said the Code represented a bold declaration of the standards appointees must uphold as servants of the public.
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He said it reflected the 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 used the term Minister, it applied 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.
“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.”
President Mahama said the Code was designed to guide the office holders actions and decision-making, and to make clear the consequences that would happen when they fall short.
He said his appointees were prohibited from accepting gifts or favours, especially from companies or individuals with 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.
“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.”
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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 don’t 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 for whatsoever when you cross the line.”
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