The Member of Parliament for Gushegu, Alhassan Tampuli has ridiculed the new Code of Conduct launched by President John Dramani Mahama, describing it as nothing more than “courtesy for boys and girls.”
The president has launched a Code of Conduct outlining new guidelines for moral behavior, public accountability, and abuse of power for all political appointees under his government.
All ministers, deputy ministers, presidential staff, chief executive officers, board members, members of the Council of State, and other appointees working under the Executive are subject to the Code, which was introduced at the Jubilee House on Monday, May 5, 2025.
The President and the Vice-President are likewise bound by it.
But commenting on the set of rules for the government appointees, Alhassan Tampuli, a lawyer turned politician, stated that the code of conduct as it has been put together is not fit for purpose.
“I think that this is an effort which in my view is not able to deal with the situation that we find ourselves in, except when we are able to enact them into a law. What I see right now is more or less a courtesy for boys and girls. We are talking about civility, restraint, influence peddling, so on and so forth.
“Some of the provisions I see in there, I am not too sure whether they should come under code of conduct for puplic officers per se. There are certain things you don’t need to put them down in writing.”
Provisions in the Code of Conduct
The Code forbids appointees from accepting gifts or favors from people or organizations that have a stake in governmental decisions, among other things.
Although gift-giving is culturally accepted in Ghana, Mr. Mahama emphasized that moral limits must now be upheld.
“If a gift is received during an official engagement and its estimated value exceeds GH¢20,000, it must be declared,” he said.
“And upon leaving office, the gift must be surrendered unless the President grants written permission for it to be retained.”
He added that government funds, including internally generated funds must not be used to purchase hampers or gift items.
Only Exception
The only exception, according to Mr. Mahama, would be gifts given to employees in honor of their achievements or upon their retirement; even these would need to be approved by the Office of the Chief of Staff and budgeted for.
Nepotism and Conflict of Interest
Nepotism and conflicts of interest are also covered under the Code. According to Mahama, appointees are required to disclose all private commercial interests, particularly those connected to government organizations. They are not allowed to use their power to get appointments or contracts for close friends or family members.
“Public perception matters. If your actions give even the appearance of bias, you compromise the integrity of your office,” President Mahama stated.
Ministerial Travel
According to Mahama, the Chief of Staff must give his or her prior approval for any travel outside of Ghana, whether it be official or not. Additionally, within 14 days of returning from any official duty, appointees are required to provide a report. Retroactive approvals will no longer be considered, he said.
Ban on buying state asset
The Code also forbids political appointees from directly or indirectly acquiring any type of governmental property, including buildings, vehicles, shares, and land.
“If you attempt to do so and you are found out, your appointment will be terminated,” the President warned.
Punishment for violating the Code
Violations of the Code will attract sanctions, ranging from public reprimands and suspension to outright dismissal.
How the Code will be enforced
To support enforcement, Mr Mahama announced plans to set up a portal for citizens to confidentially report suspected breaches.
Describing the Code as strict but necessary, he urged appointees to comply fully and lead by example.
“If you abide by this Code, it will help restore the faith of our people in our democracy,” he told the gathering.
“Let us walk this path together with discipline, humility and a clear sense of duty to the people of Ghana.
Gushegu MP Alhassan Tampuli mocks President Mahama’s new Code of Conduct, calls it “courtesy for boys and girls” #PMExpress pic.twitter.com/YxcVYQQShT
— Joy 99.7 FM (@Joy997FM) May 6, 2025
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