“Count yourself automatically dismissed if you don’t declare assets by May 7” – Mahama warns appointees

President John Dramani Mahama has issued a stern ultimatum to all political appointees who are yet to declare their assets, warning that any failure to comply by close of day Wednesday, May 7, 2025, will result in immediate dismissal.

“If by close of day Wednesday, May 7, 2025, you still have not declared your assets, count yourself automatically dismissed,” President Mahama declared during the launch of a new Code of Conduct for government appointees at the Jubilee House on Monday.

The newly launched Code of Conduct forms a key pillar of Mahama’s 120-day Social Contract and is designed to enforce ethical behaviour, public accountability, and integrity within the Executive.

The Code applies to all ministers, deputies, presidential staffers, board members, and even the President and Vice-President.

It bars appointees from accepting gifts exceeding GH¢20,000, prohibits the misuse of public funds for non-official items like hampers, and restricts political appointees from acquiring state assets in any form.

President Mahama emphasized that the Code is not symbolic but enforceable, with clear consequences for violations. “This is a government of shared responsibility, and there will be no sacred cows,” he said.

He added that a citizen portal will soon be launched to enable the confidential reporting of breaches.

To reinforce compliance, those who took office before March 31, 2025, but failed to declare their assets face not only dismissal but also the forfeiture of three months’ salary, on top of the earlier requirement to donate one month’s salary to the MahamaCares Trust Fund.