Mahama unveils Code of Ethics for appointees

President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched a comprehensive Code of Ethics and Conduct for all ministers and political appointees in his administration.
The Code, unveiled at a formal ceremony at the Presidency in Accra, is designed to regulate the behavior of government officials and reinforce the principles of transparency, accountability, and ethical governance.

Fulfilling a campaign promise
President Mahama, addressing Ministers of State, Presidential Staffers, and Chief Directors from various ministries, described the launch as a fulfillment of a key promise from his 2024 campaign—to reintroduce discipline and accountability into Ghana’s governance structure within the first 120 days of his administration.
He noted that the Code of Ethics is not merely symbolic, but a binding and enforceable framework meant to hold every public appointee accountable.
“This document is not a ceremonial one,” President Mahama declared.
“It is a living and enforceable framework that outlines what is expected of every individual appointed under this administration.”
He emphasized that the Code applies to a broad spectrum of public officers, including the President, Vice-President, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of the Council of State, Chief Executive Officers, their Deputies, Board Members, and other political appointees.
It aims to instill a culture of service, integrity, and responsibility.

Guiding principles of the Code
Highlighting the core values enshrined in the Code, President Mahama stated that all appointees must act with integrity, impartiality, and in the national interest.
The Code prohibits the misuse of public office or state resources, mandates the declaration and proper management of conflicts of interest, and calls for modesty in public life.
Appointees are expected to be accountable for every cedi they spend, serve humbly, speak respectfully, and maintain a strong connection to the needs of the people.
“You are not in office to wield power. You are here to serve the people of Ghana,” the President told the assembled officials. “Ghanaians deserve leaders who serve with honor and put the public interest ahead of their personal gain.”
He further warned that any conflict between personal interests and official duties must be either avoided or transparently disclosed.
This includes holding shares in companies that do business with the government, awarding contracts to related parties, or using insider information for personal advantage.

Strict rules on gifts and personal enrichment
President Mahama was particularly firm on the issue of gifts and undue influence.
He noted that no appointee is permitted to accept gifts or favors from individuals or companies with an interest in government business.
If an official receives a gift valued at more than GH¢20,000 during an official engagement, it must be declared and, upon leaving office, surrendered unless the President grants permission to retain it.
“There is no room for ambiguity. The people expect, and deserve, accountability and ethical leadership,” Mahama said, warning that breaches of the Code will attract disciplinary consequences.

Chief of Staff reinforces expectations
Echoing the President’s message, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah urged ministers and appointees to study and live by the Code as a central guide for conduct in office.
“An aspect of governance is like running a boarding school,” Mr. Debrah said.
“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.”
He advised that no excuse would be accepted for breaches, and urged all appointees to treat the Code with the seriousness it deserves, likening its importance to that of sacred texts.

A step toward rebuilding trust in govt
President Mahama expressed confidence that the enforcement of this Code of Ethics would restore faith in the political leadership and help consolidate Ghana’s democracy.
“Strict compliance with this code will restore confidence in the political elite,” he said, “and help us build a government that is ethical, responsive, and worthy of the people’s trust.”
The Code, now in effect, is expected to be distributed to all appointees and serve as a cornerstone of President Mahama’s governance agenda in his new term.