Declare your assets or be dismissed – Mahama warns appointees

President John Mahama has issued a strong warning to government appointees who failed to declare their assets by the 31st March 2025 deadline.

He announced that any appointee who still fails to comply by Wednesday, May 7, will be automatically dismissed.

Speaking at the Jubilee House on Monday, May 5 during the launch of a new Code of Conduct for government appointees, the President also revealed financial penalties for those who missed the initial deadline.

“On the 18th February 2025, I set a deadline of 31st March 2025 for all appointees who are taking office or being nominated at the time to declare their assets. An update provided by the Auditor General to my office indicates that some of you failed to meet that deadline,” he said.

“For all those who were appointed or nominated before 31st March 2025 and failed to meet the deadline, you are to forfeit three months of salary to be donated to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, named after me, Mahama Cares, in addition to one month’s salary that I have asked all appointees to donate,” he added.

“In effect,” the President stressed, “those who omitted to declare assets by the date are paying four months’ salary to Mahama Cares. However, if by close of day, Wednesday, 7th May 2025, any of you still fails to declare your assets, count yourself automatically dismissed.”

President Mahama emphasised that asset declaration is a key anti-corruption tool and must be respected. “The assets declaration regime is an important mechanism to check corruption and abuse of office and it must be respected by all,” he noted.

The new Code of Conduct, launched at the same event, also bans the acceptance of gifts or favours by appointees from individuals or companies with an interest in government decisions.

“We all know our cultural fondness for gifts, but we must now draw a clear line between appreciation and influence. Appointees are prohibited from gifts or favours, especially from companies or individuals with interest in governmental decisions. If a gift is received during an official engagement and its estimated value exceeds 20,000 cedis, it must be declared,” the President said.

He explained that such gifts must be surrendered when leaving office unless the President gives permission to retain them.

He further cautioned that no government funds, including internally generated funds, should be used to buy or distribute hampers except modest gifts for staff as rewards for excellence or retirement. Entities that need to give gifts as part of their commercial policy must first get approval from the Chief of Staff.

President Mahama also gave a firm directive on the handling of state assets.

“No political appointee under this administration is permitted to purchase state assets, whether lands, vehicles, shares or buildings directly or indirectly. If you attempt to do so and you are found out, your appointment will be terminated. We are here to protect the national interest, not to help ourselves to the national purse.”

On the issue of disciplinary measures, the President laid out clear sanctions for breaches of the Code. “Sanctions for violation: the code sets out consequences for breach, from public apology to reprimand, to suspension, to resignation or ultimately termination. Let me assure you that these sanctions are not cosmetic; they will be enforced. I will not hesitate to act firmly and decisively no matter who is involved,” he said.

He called on citizens to actively help enforce the new standards, revealing plans to launch a public reporting portal.

“Accountability does not end at the walls of this room. I invite the citizens of Ghana to play a role in monitoring compliance with this code. A portal will be created for the public to report suspected breaches with guarantees of confidentiality and impartial investigation.”

“What we have launched today is more than a code. It is a declaration of intent. It is a foundation of a new ethos in public service one that values ethics over expediency, duty over indulgence, country over self. We are here to serve, and we will serve with honour,” the President added.

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