The Minister for Government Communications, Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has defended the GH₵20,000 gift threshold outlined in the newly launched Code of Conduct for public officials, stating that the limit was chosen to reflect what is unlikely to influence the judgment of high-ranking government appointees.
Speaking on GTV Breakfast Show on Thursday, May 8, 2025, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu addressed growing public scrutiny over the regulation, which forms part of the Mahama-led administration’s efforts to promote ethical governance and accountability within the public sector.
“We determined that a gift below GH₵20,000 is unlikely to influence someone of the calibre of a minister. You know the society we live in and the calibre of people who become ministers. A gift of that size is not likely to sway them,” he said. “But anything above that may impair the person’s judgement.”
CLICK TO WATCH INTERVIEW
The Minister who doubles as the Member of Parliament for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese acknowledged that gift-giving is deeply embedded in Ghanaian culture—especially in politics—but emphasized that the new code seeks to regulate, not eliminate, such practices.
“We have a cultural phenomenon where people believe they must show generosity. Someone may give you something because of that,” he said, noting that gifts may also come from constituents or those seeking political favour.
Under the new guidelines, all gifts of value must be declared, regardless of whether they fall below or exceed the GH₵20,000 limit. If a gift exceeds the threshold, it must be handed over to the state.
“If you are brought a gift of a certain value, the rule is that you must declare it,” he explained. “If it’s above GH₵20,000, then it is no longer a personal gift—it becomes property of the state.”
Addressing questions on what happens to surrendered gifts, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu clarified: “It goes into the state, and the state uses it for whatever purpose it deems necessary. It is not for the personal benefit of any individual.”
He also issued a stern warning that public officials who fail to declare gifts above the threshold would face strict disciplinary action. “The President made it clear—there will be severe punishment,” he said.
Beyond gift declarations, the code also prohibits public officials from acquiring state assets such as vehicles or land. Mr. Kwakye Ofosu described such actions as “unethical” and a violation of the public trust.
“Using your office for private profit is improper,” he asserted. “If any official is caught attempting to acquire state property, they will be dismissed immediately.”
While the code is not codified into law, the minister stressed that it is binding on all appointees of the Mahama administration and will be strictly enforced under the President’s authority.
“It is not law per se, but I’m sure there are ethical standards in every institution. This is a code that is binding, and the President is the final authority,” he noted.
The Code of Conduct was launched on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, by President John Dramani Mahama, as part of the administration’s reform agenda within its first 120 days in office. It is a key step in efforts to curb corruption and restore public confidence in state institutions.
