I have seen Governments come and go. I have seen Governments’ mind-set whenever they assume office and what they do when they are in office. I have witnessed arrogance in some governments and I have observed priorities of certain governments’ ministers and appointees.
I do not wish to say the ills, rather, I wish to state the obvious which stares us in the face as a country. I am looking at what the sixth President of the fourth Republic of Ghana and his administration can do to release the load that the previous administration layered on the heads of Ghanaians.
Being the fourth President of the fourth Republic of Ghana, and having previously occupied high office of the president between 2013 and 2017, I would like to tell His Excellency John Dramani Mahama to prioritise Ghanaians.
Notwithstanding being the first Ghanaian President under the fourth Republic to have lost an election and returning after two more contests, speaks a louder volume on what Ghanaians are expecting from Mr. President.
Moreover, the overwhelming victory of President John Mahama makes him “the first president to be democratically elected in Ghana’s history to a non-consecutive second term.” Most Ghanaians who do not have the mouth to speak expressly on governmental issues indirectly did so on December 7, 2024 Elections.
What else can Mr. Dramani Mahama do, than to listen to the silent loud voice of Ghanaians on their reasons for believing in him and selecting him to manage the affairs of our country, knowing that he only has one term.
I have heard and read articles from respected people in this country, the likes of Manasseh Azure Awuni, urging the president to focus on key issues if he has to win the trust of Ghanaians for his party, and some other prominent people.
One thing I want to address is the prioritisation of the Ghanaian people. This is not the time for family and friends, corruption and bribery.
As government is still forming and gradually developing, I must commend the President John Dramani Mahama on certain solid actions taken so far.
Nonetheless, not all Sheeps are the same. As we have different species of people in various ministerial and government offices, by all means, there will be some who would love to exhibit illicit political addicted actions.
I love the tone the president has set and I totally agree with him to fast track his promise on establishing a robust “Code of Conduct and Standard” for all government officials.
Establishing a code of conduct and standard for every government official is the way to help prioritise the need of the Ghanaian people. This will help to minimise illegal practices in the government sector.
This code of conduct and standard can and will provide a clear ethical guideline, promote transparency and accountability, build public trust, prevent corruption, and ensure consistency in decision making.
Ultimately, a code of conduct and standard for government personnel will lead to a better governance and more effective public service delivery.
In the expectation of an ethical guideline, by outlining clear standards of behavior, a code of conduct sets expectations for how officials should conduct themselves in their roles, including interactions with the public, handling conflicts of interest, and managing public funds.
In combating corruption in public offices, a well-defined code can deter corrupt practices by explicitly prohibiting bribery, favoritism, and self-dealing, making it easier to identify and address violations. This is why I agree with the public declaration of assets.
Regarding the promotion of transparency, the codes willrequire officials to disclose relevant information about their activities and financial interests, increasing public visibility and accountability.
Setting a code of conduct is the way to build public trust. When citizens perceive that government officials are adhering to a high ethical standard, it fosters greater confidence in the government and its institutions.
John Mahama’s Code of Conduct and Standard would enhance decision-making. By providing a framework for ethical decision-making, a code of conduct can guide officials towards making choices that prioritize public interest over personal gain.
In view of this, I will beseech His Excellency, not to only set up a code of conduct, but also to put systems of enforcement mechanisms in place. These mechanisms should help check officials and hold them accountable for violations, including potential sanctions for unethical behavior.
Mr. President, to achieve the purpose of this code of standard, there should be clarity and specificity. The code should clearly define prohibited behaviors and ethical principles, leaving little room for interpretation.
Also Mr. President, there must be regular training on your codes. I think that it would be best if government officialsreceive training on the code of conduct to fully understand its implications and how to apply it in their daily work.
Mechanisms should be established to monitor compliance with the code, including internal audits and reporting procedures.
One thing I am expecting from the President is to make sure that the code is readily accessible to the public to promote transparency and enable citizens to hold officials accountable. This the best way to go. I wish you well, Mr. President.
The writer is a journalist with the Daily Dispatch and a Columnist.
Bright T. Terkpernor
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