Mahama must seek legislative backing for Code of Conduct – Nsemkeka
The Director of Communications for the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah has urged President John Mahama to seek legislative backing for the Code of Conduct he has proposed for public officials, stating that such a move would give the initiative genuine weight and credibility.
On 14 May, government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu revealed that Sammy Gyamfi had been cautioned to conduct himself appropriately following public backlash over his controversial dollar gift to self-styled evangelist, Agradaa.
A video of the incident — which the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, later described as a regrettable act of kindness — went viral across social media platforms.
In the footage, Gyamfi was seen in the backseat of his vehicle, counting dollar notes, some of which he hands over to Agradaa.
The incident sparked widespread condemnation, with political analysts and members of the Minority in Parliament calling for Gyamfi’s removal from any future role in John Mahama’s prospective administration, citing a breach of the Code of Conduct issued by the former president to all his appointees.
Following a reported meeting with Mahama’s Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, the party resolved not to take further disciplinary action.
Instead, a public apology issued by Gyamfi the day after his encounter with Agradaa has been deemed sufficient.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, Mr Ahiagbah questioned the efficacy and impartiality of a Code of Conduct that relies solely on the discretion of the President.
“What I think we should do as a country — if President Mahama would help all of us — he should seek legislative backing for this Code of Conduct so it’s law,” he said.
He warned against a system where enforcement of ethical standards is left to the subjective judgement of the presidency, describing it as open to bias.
“So that it doesn’t fall to his office and say, ‘Oh, you are my favourite, so you are this or that’,” Ahiagbah remarked. “We are a serious country.”
The NPP communicator argued that if conduct among public officials is truly a matter of national importance, it should not remain within the exclusive preserve of the President to determine sanctions or responses.
“If the matter to do with conduct of public officials is one that is key — and I believe it is — then why does it become the preserve of the President to determine what sanction? We should make it law,” he added.