The Minister for Communications, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has offered a detailed explanation on the rationale behind the inclusion of a GHC 20,000 gift value cap in the Code of Conduct introduced by President John Dramani Mahama for government appointees.
Hon. Kwakye Ofosu clarified that the provision was instituted as a safeguard to promote integrity and accountability within public office. He emphasized that the limit was carefully considered to strike a balance between recognizing cultural and diplomatic gestures and preventing any form of bribery or undue influence.
“The GHC 20,000 ceiling is not an open door for corruption—it is a control mechanism,” he said. “It defines the maximum acceptable value of a gift an appointee may receive, ensuring that gifts do not compromise official duties or influence public decisions.”
He explained that in many public and diplomatic settings, it is common for officials to receive gifts as a sign of goodwill or appreciation. However, without clear guidelines, such acts could be exploited or misinterpreted. The gift limit, therefore, serves as a standard to prevent excesses while preserving the dignity of official engagements.
Hon. Kwakye Ofosu further noted that the Code of Conduct, including the gift provision, was part of President Mahama’s broader efforts to promote good governance and ethical conduct within the public sector. “This was a forward-thinking policy meant to instill discipline and ethical boundaries for all government appointees,” he added.
Story by Freedom Lavoe.
