POLITICAL appointees in Ghana who failed to declare their assets by March 31, 2025 face a steep penalty: forfeiture of four months’ salary. President John Mahama made the announcement at the official launch of a far-reaching Code of Conduct for public officials on Monday, in a move intended to entrench transparency, restore public trust, and redefine leadership ethics in Ghana’s governance.
According to the President, those who missed the deadline will forfeit three months’ salary as a sanction, in addition to a previously announced one-month salary donation to the Mahama Cares Trust Fund—bringing the total forfeiture to four months’ pay.
‘Count yourself automatically dismissed if you have failed to declare your assets,’ Mahama warned, sending a clear message to appointees. The salaries forfeited by defaulters will be donated to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also named after the President.
Code of Conduct: a binding ethical contract
The Code of Conduct is not a symbolic gesture—it is an enforceable governance document applicable to ministers, deputy ministers, presidential staffers, and all political appointees within the executive arm. President Mahama stressed that the code applies to all, including himself, Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the Chief of Staff, Executive Secretary, and presidential advisers.
The code outlines clear principles and non-negotiable provisions designed to guide political behaviour and ensure public service is carried out with integrity. Key requirements include:
- National Interest First: Appointees must always place the public interest above personal or partisan interests.
- Prohibition of Misuse of Office: Public office must not be used for personal gain, nor should state resources be exploited for private benefit.
- Mandatory Conflict of Interest Declarations: Appointees must disclose business interests or personal connections that could compromise their official duties, particularly where government contracts or partnerships are concerned.
- Ban on State Asset Purchases: No appointee is allowed to purchase state assets—such as land, vehicles, shares, or property—either directly or indirectly.
- Regulation of Gifts and Hampers:
- Any gift exceeding GH¢20,000 ($1,480) must be declared.
- Appointees are barred from accepting valuable favours from individuals or entities that do business with the state.
- Government funds—including internally generated funds—must not be used to purchase or distribute hampers, except under explicit and pre-approved circumstances.
- Ethical Conduct and Accountability: Appointees are expected to remain humble, use respectful language, serve with dignity, and account for all public funds under their stewardship.
- Prohibition on Retroactive Approvals: Official travel and expenditure must be planned, necessary, budgeted, and approved in advance.
Mahama stressed that breaches will not be tolerated. Sanctions include public apology, loss of salary or privileges, and termination of appointment.
Citizen monitoring and digital enforcement
To empower citizens and foster a culture of public accountability, the Mahama administration is introducing a public digital portal that will allow Ghanaians to report breaches of the code confidentially. The system promises anonymity and impartial investigation.
‘We must build a new political culture rooted in transparency, humility and ethical leadership,’ the President stated. ‘Ghanaians deserve leaders who serve with honour and put the public interest ahead of personal gain.’
The President called on all Ghanaians to take ownership of this effort by actively monitoring compliance. The portal, once live, will serve as a two-way accountability mechanism between citizens and their leaders.
Asset declaration deadline: consequences in motion
In his remarks, Mahama recalled that on February 18, 2025, he had set a hard deadline of March 31, 2025 for all appointees to declare their assets. An update from the Auditor-General’s office confirmed that some failed to comply.
In response, those appointees are now required to forfeit four months’ salary—three as a penalty and one as a standing donation to the Mahama Cares Fund. Non-compliance with asset declaration not only attracts financial sanctions but also leads to automatic dismissal under the newly adopted rules.
‘Strict compliance with this code will restore confidence in the political elite,’ Mahama declared.
Governance experts applaud the shift
Analysts note that while Ghana’s Constitution has long required asset declarations, enforcement has often been inconsistent and toothless. The introduction of enforceable sanctions and citizen oversight represents a major departure from previous practice.
By institutionalising ethics, accountability, and public reporting, the Mahama administration may be setting a precedent that could influence regional governance standards across West Africa.
‘This is not cosmetic,’ Mahama insisted. ‘Do not put me in a position where I have to act. But I will act.’
As the code takes effect, it remains to be seen whether this tough rhetoric will be followed by consistent enforcement—but for now, it signals a serious intent to overhaul Ghana’s public service ethos.
