May 7 asset declaration deadline: Mahama warns of dismissal for non-compliance

President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned that political appointees who failed to declare their assets by the initial March 31 deadline must by the end of day Wednesday, May 7, 2025, or face instant removal.

The President gave the order on Monday, May 5, 2025, in the course of the official launch of the Code of Conduct for Political Appointees.

He said the asset declaration rule must be followed because it’s a necessary step to curb corruption and abuse of office. President Mahama stated that “For all those who were appointed or nominated before 31st March 2025 and failed to meet the deadline, you are to forfeit three months of salary to be donated to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund.”

“If by close of day Wednesday, 7th May 2025, any of you still fail to declare your assets, count yourself automatically dismissed.” On top of the three-month pay deduction, the affected appointees are already encouraged to give one month’s salary to the MahamaCares Trust Fund, making the total deduction four months’ pay.

Mr Mahama said asset declaration is a vital means of fostering trust and confidence to prevent officials from personal gains from public office.

He said the latest introduction Code of Conduct, is a set of governing principles for appointees, including ministers, deputy ministers, presidential staffers, chief executives, members of the Council of State, and board members.

“This is a government of shared responsibility, and there will be no sacred cows,” Mr Mahama stated. “The Code applies to the Vice President, myself, the Chief of Staff, and all advisors. We are all bound by its provisions.”

The president laid down strict rules in the codel, including bans on the acquisition of state assets, misuse of government funds for gifts or hampers, and accepting gifts worth in excess of GH¢20,000 without declaration.

President Mahama said that “No political appointee under this administration is permitted to purchase state assets, whether land, vehicles, shares, or buildings, directly or indirectly. If you attempt to do so and you are found out, your appointment will be terminated.”

He also revealed plans to introduce a public reporting portal, where citizens can report alleged wrongdoing under the Code. These reports will be investigated thoroughly and confidentially, he said.

President Mahama made it clear to the gathering that “I invite the citizens of Ghana to play a role in monitoring compliance with this code.”

He added that the Code of Conduct is an integral part of his “120-day social contract with the people of Ghana” and is focused on rebuilding discipline, accountability and trust in government.

He emphasised that “What we launch today is more than a code; it is a declaration of intent.“ It is the foundation of a new ethos in public service, one that values ethics over expediency, duty over indulgence, and country over self.”

READ: See the areas that will be affected by ECG’s planned maintenance on May 6 & 7