Fundraising Manager of anti-corruption non-governmental organisation, Transparency International, Michael Boadi, has criticised President John Dramani Mahama’s gift rules in the recently unveiled Code of Conduct for public officials, describing them as unclear, contradictory, and susceptible to misuse.
In an interview on Joy FM, monitored by GhanaWeb on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, he pointed out that while the code prohibits accepting gifts whether in cash or in kind, it also allows exceptions, creating what he described as double standards.
“You would realise that the code is very heavy on the accountability and transparency component, but very weak on the issue of specificity and clarity because it leans more on double standards,” he said.
He also challenged the GH¢20,000 threshold for declaring gifts, calling it too high and out of touch with local realities.
“While GH¢20,000 may not compromise ministers in Accra, it is a significant amount that can easily influence District Chief Executives in remote communities,” he explained.
Boadi stressed that best practices globally set much lower limits to prevent undue influence and warned that Ghana’s current standard risks enabling corruption at various levels of government.
He called for a clearer and stricter code that balances transparency and accountability with practical and fair limits across all public offices.
President Mahama has unveiled a Code of Conduct for all political appointees under his administration, spelling out new rules on ethical behaviour, public accountability, and misuse of office.
Among its key provision is a directive banning appointees from accepting gifts and buying state assets.
JKB/VPO
Watch as Accra Mayor begins decongestion exercise to restore order on the streets
