Minister for Foreign Affairs and North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has praised President John Dramani Mahama’s newly launched Code of Conduct for government appointees, describing it as a powerful tool in the fight against state capture.
The Code of Conduct, introduced on Monday, May 5, forms part of President Mahama’s 120-day social contract with Ghanaians, aimed at restoring discipline, integrity, and accountability in public service. It applies not only to ministers, deputies, CEOs, and presidential staffers, but also to the President and Vice President themselves.
“This document is not a ceremonial one,” President Mahama stated at the launch. “It is a living and enforceable code that spells out what is expected of every individual appointed under this administration. This is a government of shared responsibility, and there will be no sacred cows.”
The Code outlines stringent ethical guidelines, including a specific ban on the direct or indirect acquisition of state assets by political appointees. These assets have been broadly defined to include lands, bungalows, hotels, vehicles, forests, and other state properties.
Reacting to the development on his X page, Mr. Ablakwa expressed strong support for the policy and linked it to his legislative efforts in Parliament.
“Great news for Ghana. President Mahama has today launched a Code of Conduct for government officials which prohibits appointees from buying state assets either directly or indirectly. President Mahama made clear that appointees who violate this code will be fired and the asset retrieved,” he wrote.
“State assets have been defined to include lands, bungalows, hotels, cars, forests etc. I am absolutely delighted that our crusade in opposition has not been abandoned and that we are keeping faith with the Ghanaian people and our conscience,” he continued.
He added that the new Code reinforces the relevance of his Private Member’s Bill currently before Parliament, which seeks to legislate a ban on politically exposed persons acquiring state assets.
“This new Code of Conduct gives further impetus to my Private Member’s Bill currently in Parliament seeking to ban politically exposed persons from purchasing state assets. State Capture is dead! God bless President Mahama,” he declared.
The launch of the Code has been widely seen as a major step toward rebuilding public trust and ensuring a transparent and accountable administration.
