Mahama unveils code of conduct, threatens dismissal for non-compliant appointees
President John Dramani Mahama has launched a stringent Code of Conduct for all government appointees as part of his administration’s broader push to restore integrity and accountability in public office.
The announcement was made at the Jubilee House on Monday, 5 May 2025, marking a key milestone in his 120-day Social Contract.
The Code of Conduct outlines clear ethical guidelines and operational expectations for ministers, advisors, and other top officials. As part of the implementation, President Mahama underscored the importance of asset declaration as a cornerstone of his anti-corruption efforts.
Addressing the gathering, the President expressed his disappointment over the failure of some appointees to declare their assets by the 31st March 2025, deadline he had earlier set on 18 February.
“An update provided by the Auditor General to my office indicates that some of you failed to meet that deadline,” President Mahama stated.
As a punitive measure, he announced that those who failed to comply would forfeit three months’ salary, which will be donated to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, known as the Mahama Cares. This is in addition to a previously mandated one-month salary contribution to the same fund, bringing the total penalty to four months’ salary.
The President was unequivocal in enforcing consequences for non-compliance:
“If by close of day Wednesday, 7th May 2025, any of you still fails to declare your assets, count yourself automatically dismissed.”
President Mahama described the assets declaration regime as “an important mechanism to check corruption and abuse of office,” stressing that it must be respected by all public servants.
While acknowledging the firmness of the code, he defended its necessity in strengthening democratic governance.
“My brothers and sisters, this is a very strict code, I must admit. But if we abide by this code, it will restore the faith of our people in our democracy.”
He called on all appointees to uphold the principles outlined in the code with “discipline, humility, and an unyielding commitment to the people of Ghana”.
Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, shared news of the code on social media, describing the week as pivotal in Mahama’s vision for responsible and transparent governance.
The launch of the code adds momentum to President Mahama’s efforts to consolidate democratic gains, improve public trust, and institutionalise accountability in Ghana’s public sector.
