Mahama must seek legislative backing for Code of Conduct - Ahiagbah

Richard Ahiagbah, the Director of Communications for the NPP, has urged President John Mahama to seek legislative support for his proposed Code of Conduct. He believes this would give the initiative more weight and credibility.

On May 14, government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu announced that Sammy Gyamfi was cautioned. This followed public backlash over his controversial dollar gift to evangelist Agradaa.

A video of the incident went viral on social media. In it, Gyamfi is seen in his vehicle counting dollar notes and handing some to Agradaa.

The incident drew widespread condemnation. Political analysts and Minority members in Parliament called for Gyamfi’s removal from any future role in Mahama's administration. They cited a breach of the Code of Conduct issued by Mahama to all appointees.

After a meeting with Mahama’s Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, the party decided against further disciplinary action. Instead, they accepted Gyamfi's public apology as sufficient.

On JoyNews’ Newsfile, Ahiagbah questioned the effectiveness of a Code of Conduct relying solely on presidential discretion. He suggested that President Mahama should seek legislative backing to make it law.

He warned against leaving ethical enforcement to subjective presidential judgment. Ahiagbah stated this could lead to bias in decision-making.

He emphasized that if public officials' conduct is important, it shouldn't be solely up to the President to determine sanctions or responses. "We should make it law," he concluded.