President John Dramani Mahama has issued a final and uncompromising ultimatum to all government appointees: Declare your assets by the close of day, May 7, 2025, or face automatic dismissal.
The warning follows the rollout of the new Code of Conduct for Public Officials, which mandates all appointees to declare their assets as part of a nationwide anti-corruption drive.
The President made it clear that the grace period is over and failure to comply will not be tolerated.
“This administration will not entertain non-compliance.
Asset declaration is not only a constitutional obligation, it is a demonstration of integrity. Anyone who cannot fulfill it has no place in this government,” President Mahama stated firmly during a press briefing at the Jubilee House.
In a further step, the President sanctioned all appointees who defaulted on the original March 31 deadline, ordering them to forfeit four months of their salary, which must be donated to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund. These sanctions are to take immediate effect.
Background
The Code of Conduct, launched in February 2025, forms a critical part of Mahama’s second-term commitment to fight corruption and promote transparency in public service. Key features of the code include:
Mandatory Asset Declaration
Prohibition on First-Class Travel for Officials
Conflict of Interest Regulations
Whistleblower Protection Measures
President Mahama’s administration has already established an Anti-Corruption Task Force and an Ethics Compliance Unit to monitor and enforce adherence to the code.
Public and Institutional Response
Civil society organizations and anti-corruption advocates have welcomed the President’s firm stance.
“This is how change begins with consequences,” said Adwoa Asante, Executive Director of Civic Watch Ghana.
“We commend the President for matching words with action.”
With just two days left before the deadline, appointees across ministries, departments, and state agencies are expected to swiftly comply or face the consequences of automatic dismissal.
“We will not allow ethical lapses to undermine public trust,” the President concluded.
“This is a government of integrity and that starts with accountability at the very top.”
