President John Dramani Mahama has issued a firm ultimatum to political appointees who failed to comply with the country’s asset declaration regulations, warning that non-compliance by May 7, 2025, will result in automatic dismissal.
Speaking at the official launch of the Code of Conduct for Political Appointees in Accra on Monday, the President announced a two-pronged sanction for all appointees who missed the initial March 31 deadline for declaring their assets.
Offenders will forfeit three months of salary, which will be directed to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund. This comes in addition to an already mandated one-month salary contribution to the MahamaCares Trust Fund — bringing the total penalty to four months’ pay.
President Mahama emphasized that asset declaration is not a bureaucratic exercise but a critical anti-corruption mechanism aimed at enhancing public trust and accountability.
“For all those who were appointed or nominated before 31st March 2025 and failed to meet the deadline, you are to forfeit three months of salary. If by close of day Wednesday, 7th May 2025, any of you still fails to declare your assets, count yourself automatically dismissed,” the President said.
The directive is part of a broader ethical reform agenda, embodied in the newly introduced Code of Conduct, which sets stringent standards for integrity, transparency, and discipline across government.
The Code, which applies to all political appointees—including ministers, deputy ministers, presidential staffers, board members, and members of the Council of State—bans the acquisition of state assets by appointees and places strict limits on gifts.
“No political appointee under this administration is permitted to purchase state assets, whether land, vehicles, shares, or buildings—directly or indirectly,” Mr. Mahama warned. “Violation will result in immediate termination.”
The Code also requires the declaration of any gift exceeding GH¢20,000 and prohibits the use of public funds for personal gifting or celebrations.
In a notable move toward citizen engagement and transparency, the President announced the upcoming launch of a public reporting portal to allow Ghanaians to confidentially report suspected breaches of the Code. All reports will be subjected to independent review and investigation.
President Mahama described the new measures as part of his “120-day social contract” with the people of Ghana—a roadmap to restoring ethical governance, enhancing discipline, and reinforcing accountability in public service.
“This Code is not just a policy—it is a pledge to the nation. It places duty above indulgence and country above self,” he declared.
With this decisive stance, the Mahama administration signals a renewed commitment to fighting corruption, setting a tone of zero tolerance and shared responsibility across all levels of government.
