President John Dramani Mahama has issued a strong and uncompromising warning to political appointees under his administration, vowing to crack down on any form of unethical behaviour, particularly those involving conflict of interest and misuse of insider knowledge.
Speaking during the official launch of the new Code of Conduct for public officials on Monday, May 5, President Mahama emphasized that the days of impunity are over and that anyone found breaching the Code will face swift disciplinary action—regardless of their position or connections.
“Coding in state companies that deal with government or with your ministries, using insider knowledge for personal benefit, awarding contracts that are connected to yourselves or your close family,” he cautioned, pointing out some of the unethical practices the Code aims to eliminate.
He continued: “If you are a dormant partner in any business engaging with any business even outside your ministry, you must disclose it in writing to this office.
“Not through a telephone call, not through a relative, but you must submit an official declaration. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action.”
The newly unveiled Code of Conduct clearly outlines ethical expectations and boundaries for appointees, especially in dealings involving government contracts and affiliations with private businesses. Among its central tenets is a ban on awarding contracts to oneself, immediate family, or close associates—actions President Mahama labelled as a “betrayal of public trust.”
