Declare your assets or be dismissed – Mahama warns appointees

President John Mahama has warned government appointees about asset declarations. They must declare their assets by March 31, 2025. Those who fail to comply by May 7 will be dismissed.

He spoke at the Jubilee House on May 5. This was during the launch of a new Code of Conduct for appointees. He also mentioned financial penalties for those who missed the deadline.

On February 18, 2025, Mahama set the asset declaration deadline. An update from the Auditor General showed some appointees did not comply.

Those who were appointed before March 31 and failed to declare will lose three months' salary. This money will go to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, named Mahama Cares. Additionally, they must donate one month's salary as well.

In total, those who missed the deadline will pay four months' salary to Mahama Cares. If they do not declare their assets by May 7, they will be automatically dismissed.

Mahama emphasized that declaring assets is crucial in fighting corruption. He stated that this process helps check corruption and abuse of office.

The new Code of Conduct prohibits appointees from accepting gifts or favors from interested parties. Gifts exceeding 20,000 cedis during official engagements must be declared.

Such gifts must be returned when leaving office unless permitted by the President. No government funds should buy or distribute hampers except modest gifts for staff rewards.

Entities wishing to give gifts as part of their policy need approval from the Chief of Staff.

Mahama also addressed state asset handling rules. No political appointee can purchase state assets directly or indirectly. Violators will have their appointments terminated.

He outlined disciplinary measures for breaches of the Code of Conduct. Sanctions range from public apologies to termination of employment.

Mahama assured that these sanctions would be enforced without hesitation, regardless of who is involved.

He encouraged citizens to help enforce these standards and announced a public reporting portal for suspected breaches.

This portal will allow confidential reporting and impartial investigations into violations.

“What we launched today is more than a code,” he said. “It represents a commitment to ethics in public service.”