'It only Courtesy for Boys and Girls' - Alhassan Tampuli mocks Mahama’s Code of Conduct

Former Deputy Transport Minister Alhassan Tampuli has criticized President John Mahama’s new Code of Conduct for political appointees. He called it a set of “Courtesy for Boys and Girls.”

Tampuli expressed his views on PM Express on May 6. He said, “What I see right now is more or less a courtesy for boys and girls.”

He questioned the relevance of some provisions in the Code. He believes they do not belong in a Code of Conduct for public officers. Some behaviors should be understood without needing to be written down.

The former National Petroleum Authority (NPA) boss dismissed the Code as ineffective. He stated that it cannot address ethical gaps unless it becomes law.

His comments come amid growing public debate about the Code's relevance and enforceability. Critics argue that it is long overdue, while others find it vague and insufficient.

Tampuli said, “This effort does not deal with our situation—unless enacted into law.”

Regarding the controversial ¢20,000 gift threshold, he called for alignment with international standards. He noted that Ghana is not isolated from global practices.

He added, “Ministers interact at high levels with officials from other countries.” If Ghana's gift threshold is misaligned, conflicts may arise.

Tampuli pointed out that many countries have established standards for gifts. To comply internationally, Ghana must align its practices accordingly.

He emphasized that serious reform cannot stem from what he sees as a symbolic document. “If we are serious, then let’s legislate,” he urged.

He warned that a code without legal backing could easily be discarded by future administrations.