The Minister for Government Communications, Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has defended the GH₵20,000 limit for undeclared gifts under the newly introduced Code of Conduct for public officials, saying the threshold was chosen based on what is unlikely to compromise the integrity of ministers and high-level appointees.
Speaking on GBC News on Thursday, May 8, 2025, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu addressed mounting public scrutiny over the controversial cap introduced in the code, which outlines ethical guidelines for ministers and other government functionaries.
“We determined that a gift below 20,000 Ghana cedis is unlikely to influence someone of the calibre of a minister. You know the society we live in, and the kind of people who become ministers. A gift of 20,000 is not likely to sway them, but anything above that may impair the person’s judgement,” he explained.
He noted that gift-giving is deeply rooted in Ghanaian culture and often seen as a gesture of goodwill or tradition, especially in political spaces. However, the purpose of the code, he said, is to provide clear boundaries rather than to ban such practices altogether.
“We have a cultural phenomenon where people believe they must show generosity. Someone may give you something because of that,” he said, acknowledging that gifts may also be offered by constituents or individuals seeking political goodwill.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu clarified that under the code, all gifts must be declared regardless of value. “If you are brought a gift of a certain value, the rule is that you must declare it,” he emphasized.
He further explained the procedure for handling gifts that exceed the GH₵20,000 threshold. “So that I don’t own it. It is no longer a gift to me, it’s a gift to the state,” he said, adding that such items are redirected to state use.
“It goes into the state, and the state uses it for whatever purpose it deems necessary. It is not for the personal gain of any individual,” he said in response to how these gifts are managed after being surrendered.
He also issued a warning to officials who attempt to conceal gifts or violate the policy. “The President made it clear—there will be severe punishment,” he stated.
In addition to regulating gifts, the Code of Conduct bars public officials from acquiring state properties such as vehicles and land, describing any such behavior as unethical and a misuse of public office.
“Using your office for private profit is improper. If any official is caught attempting to acquire state property, they will be dismissed immediately,” he said firmly.
While the code does not carry the force of law, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stressed that it is binding on all appointees of the current administration and is enforced by the President’s authority.
“It is not law per se, but I’m sure there are ethical standards in every institution. This is a code that is binding, and the President is the final authority,” he said.
The Code of Conduct was launched by President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, and is one of the key reforms rolled out in his first 130 days in office to strengthen transparency and ethical behavior in public service.
