As part of efforts to ensure accountability, dedicated service delivery, integrity, and the elimination of corruption and unacceptable behavior among public officeholders, President John Dramani Mahama has pledged to prioritize the passage of a code of conduct for public workers in his new government.
In his speech at the 92nd annual National Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Winneba on Thursday, January 9, President Mahama stated, “We shall pass a code of conduct for our officeholders, and they will strictly abide by that code of conduct.”
The Code of Conduct for public officers will outline the values, principles, and standards of acceptable ethical behavior, ensuring that public officeholders are held accountable for their actions. According to Chapter 24 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, public officers are required to avoid unethical behavior, such as conflicts of interest, illicit enrichment, and other improper conduct.
Despite repeated assurances by the previous Nana Akufo-Addo administration to pass the bill into law, this was not achieved before their term ended. However, President Mahama’s government intends to make this a priority. Once passed, the bill will not only deter corrupt practices but also prevent public officers from misusing state property for personal gain.
For example, public vehicles will no longer be used for private activities before or after working hours.
Additionally, President Mahama emphasized his commitment to the fight against corruption and the strengthening of Ghana’s justice system. He promised to invest in measures to ensure transparency and accountability within state institutions.
“We shall carry out a comprehensive audit to establish the status of our state-owned enterprises,” President Mahama said. He further reiterated his commitment to operationalizing his Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) initiative, which aims to investigate and recover misappropriated public assets.
“We shall operationalize the Operation Recover All Loots and investigate individuals we believe have engaged in the misappropriation of public property, pursuing them to recover such assets,” he added.
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