President Mahama Launches Code Of Conduct For Appointees

ACCRA, Ghana, May 6, 2025 – Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama launched a new Code of Conduct and Ethics applicable to all political appointees, implementing a key pledge from his 2024 election campaign aimed at reinforcing governmental accountability and transparency.

The comprehensive framework, unveiled at the Presidency, applies to senior executive branch officials, including the President, Vice President, cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, and members of the presidential staff. President Mahama described the code as a "living and enforceable framework" establishing ethical standards for those serving in his administration.

"This Code represents a bold declaration of the standards we must uphold as servants of the public," Mahama stated during the ceremony. "This is a government of shared responsibility, and there will be no sacred cows."

Central tenets of the code mandate that appointees prioritize national interests over personal gain, avoid misusing public office or resources, and operate with integrity and impartiality. It requires the declaration and active management of potential conflicts of interest. Appointees are also instructed to demonstrate humility, use measured language, and show respect towards citizens, while eschewing opulence and ensuring accountability for public funds expenditure.

Specific regulations within the code address conflicts of interest rigorously. Officials are prohibited from holding financial stakes in companies conducting business with the government or ministries relevant to their duties. The use of confidential, non-public information for personal financial benefit is forbidden, as is the award of government contracts to entities linked to the appointee or their associates.

To mitigate potential influence peddling, the code prohibits appointees from accepting gifts or favours, particularly from individuals or organizations that could benefit from governmental decisions. Gifts received during official duties exceeding a value of GH¢20,000.00 must be declared and are subject to surrender upon the appointee's departure from office, unless presidential approval for retention is granted. The use of public funds for purchasing and distributing gift hampers is generally barred, with minor exceptions for staff recognition.

International travel by ministers requires prior authorization from the Chief of Staff's office. Officials undertaking such travel are obligated to submit a report and retire any impressed funds within 14 days of their return.

President Mahama specifically addressed the requirement for asset declaration, noting that officials who failed to meet the initial deadline of March 31, 2025, would forfeit three months' salary to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, operating under the 'Mahama Cares' initiative. He further stipulated that appointees remaining non-compliant by the close of Wednesday, May 7, 2025, would face automatic dismissal and be required to donate an additional month's salary, bringing the total deduction to four months' salary for the fund.

"Strict compliance with this code will restore confidence in the political elite and help to consolidate our democracy," Mahama asserted.

In a related action, President Mahama, through his spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, a Minister of State for Government Communications, presented two vehicles donated by a private company to Chief of Staff Julius Debrah for integration into the government's official vehicle fleet, a gesture presented as aligning with the code's principles.

For readers seeking further detail on the new framework, download a copy of the Code of Conduct launched by President John Dramani Mahama, which is binding on all appointees.