‘Pass it into law; not just a code’ - Domelevo warns against short-term ethics fix

Former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo warns Ghana about public ethics. He says it could become a political popularity contest. This is unless President John Mahama’s new Code of Conduct becomes law.

Domelevo praised the document but wants it improved. He suggested adding valuable points to the existing Code of Conduct bill. This bill should be passed into law, he stated on PM Express.

He emphasized that the code should not only guide public officers during Mahama's term. If it remains an executive guideline, future leaders might ignore it. They could say, “I don’t respect this; I’ll create my own.”

Domelevo criticized the new gift policy in the code. It allows public officials to accept gifts up to ¢20,000. He called this a “no-no.” Public officials should live on their salaries, not gifts.

Drawing from his experience at the World Bank, he shared insights on gift limits. There, any gift over $50 had to be surrendered. He questioned if this limit has changed since then.

He echoed concerns from Dr. Kojo Pumpuni Asante about the ¢20,000 limit. Domelevo said it sends a wrong message and opens doors for corruption.

He also pointed out inconsistencies in asset declaration rules within the code. For example, page 30 mentions jewelry worth a minimum of ¢5 million. He expressed disbelief at this high amount.

“This is too high and inconsistent with existing laws,” he noted. Act 550 does not mention such figures.

Domelevo urged lawmakers to treat the code as more than a temporary tool. It should serve as a constitutional foundation for ethical standards in Ghana.

“We need consistent and enforceable ethical standards,” he concluded. This applies regardless of who is in power and builds integrity in public service.