The Director of Policy Engagement and Partnerships at the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Dr Kojo Pumpuni Asante, has opposed the practice of the President receiving gifts.
Dr Pumpuni Asante said as much as possible; the presidency should stay away from accepting gifts despite the good intention behind the gesture because of the conflict-of-interest situation it raises.
“It’s a no-no,” he said when reacting to the car gifts presented to President John Dramani Mahama.
“These are high-value gifts. How are you going to determine whether the President gets influenced or not in those kinds of scenarios?”
President Mahama declared two vehicles after launching the Code of Conduct, unveiled today, Monday, May 5, 2025, as part of his broader agenda to promote ethical governance under his 120-day Social Contract.
Speaking to Joy News on Tuesday, May 6, Dr Asante Pumpuni said “It’s very difficult to establish any benefit one way or the other.” “As much as possible, we should just avoid these kinds of gifts,” he added.
“The President has a lot of power to create these kinds of conflict-of-interest scenarios,” he explained. “And because of that, we must not give room for this kind of ambiguity.”
Meanwhile, President Mahama has directed all government appointees that no gifts or favours from individuals or entities with an interest in governmental decisions.
“Appointees are prohibited from accepting gifts or favours, especially from companies or individuals with an interest in governmental decisions,
” President Mahama said when he launched the Code of Conduct.
