President John Dramani Mahama has issued a strict directive prohibiting all government appointees from accepting gifts or favors, particularly from companies or individuals who have vested interests in governmental decisions.
This move aims to uphold transparency and integrity within public service and to prevent undue influence on government officials.
Acknowledging Ghana’s cultural tradition of gift-giving, President Mahama emphasized the importance of distinguishing between genuine appreciation and attempts to sway official decisions.
He stated “We all know our cultural fondness for gifts, but we must now draw a clear line between appreciation and influence”.
Mahama stressed that if a gift is received during an official engagement and its estimated value exceeds 20,000 Ghana cedis, the recipient must declare it.
“If a gift is received during an official engagement and its estimated value exceeds 20,000 Ghana cedis it must be declared and upon leaving office the gift must be surrendered unless expressly permitted to retain it by the president”, he told appointees at the Launch of Conduct of Conduct held in Jubilee House, Accra.
Also, the President stated that government funds, including internally generated funds, are not to be used to purchase or distribute hampers or gifts.
He noted “As for hampers and gift items no government funds including internally generated funds are to be used to purchase or distribute humpers the only exception is modest gifts to staff as a reward for excellence or retirement”.
President Mahama concluded by stating ‘for government entities that distribute hampers or gifts as part of their corporate or commercial policies, prior express permission for the budgeted expenditure must be obtained from the Office of the Chief of Staff’.
Source : www.kumasimail.com / Kwadwo Owusu
