Political Scientist Dr. Kwame Asah Asante has praised President John Dramani Mahama’s Code of Conduct for political appointees, describing it as a significant step toward restoring integrity, discipline, and accountability in public office.
The Code, unveiled at the Jubilee House on Monday, May 5, 2025, outlines clear ethical guidelines for appointees under this government including both the President and Vice-President.
Launching the initiative, President Mahama stated that the Code is part of his 120-day social contract with Ghanaians, aimed at reviving ethical leadership in governance.
Among its provisions, the Code strictly prohibits appointees from accepting gifts or favours from individuals or entities with an interest in government decisions.
Regarding ministerial travel, President Mahama announced that all official or private international trips by appointees must receive prior clearance from the Chief of Staff, and a report must be submitted within 14 days of return.
He warned that retroactive approvals would no longer be accepted.
Violations of the Code will attract sanctions ranging from public reprimands and suspensions to outright dismissals.
A new digital portal will also be launched to allow citizens to confidentially report suspected breaches.
Speaking on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey, Dr. Asah Asante lauded the Code as a commendable move but suggested it could be strengthened further.
Dr. Asah Asante criticized the widespread abuse of government vehicles, often used for personal errands such as market runs, funerals, and unofficial engagements.
He also raised concerns about the recurring practice of purchasing new vehicles for every new minister or deputy, despite the availability of existing government fleets.
He said, “Ministerial travel regulation is good because we are going to see a situation where nobody just leaves the country without express permission of the state or without the state knowing about it and that is going to regulate that. Remember, we spend a lot of money in the travels. So this will contain some of the unnecessary travels and expenditure. What I would have loved to see is that we should have also included something that will ensure that public vehicles are not abused. Where people use it for market, to run around town and funerals and all that, it should be a thing of the past.
He added, “And that’s also, we want to see a revolution in that direction, especially where people just abuse state vehicles and all that. And then we should also depart from that, you know, habit of the state always buying vehicles. Meanwhile, there are a pool of cars there that ministers and other appointees can use, but there is always the need to buy fresh cruisers for a minister or his deputy and the rest of them. We have to think about this because it costs them a lot of money. And I would love to see a situation where there is the code reflect that problem that I’m talking about.”
