Former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo has raised concerns about the GHC 20,000 gift threshold set in the newly introduced Code of Conduct for political appointees.
He argued that this amount might be excessively high and called for a thorough review to ensure greater accountability in public office.
Speaking in a recent interview with Citi FM, Mr. Domelevo acknowledged the Code as a positive initiative aimed at promoting professionalism and ethical conduct within public service.
However, he stressed the need to revisit certain provisions, particularly those concerning the acceptance of gifts.
“It’s a good start. The Code provides much-needed clarity on the role of a minister, and I’m pleased to see the emphasis on gift acceptance,” he said. “However, I believe the GHC 20,000 threshold is too high. That amount is more than 1,000 dollars.”
Domelevo drew on his experience at the World Bank, where the acceptable gift threshold was significantly lower. “At the World Bank, the limit was $50. If you received a gift valued above that amount, you had to surrender it immediately, not take it home,” he explained. “But here, it’s set at GHC 20,000—roughly 1,000 dollars—and I believe that’s too much.”
His comments came after President John Dramani Mahama announced the new Code of Conduct for political appointees on May 5. The Code aims to foster ethical leadership and integrity in governance.
Under the new Code, ministers and other appointees are permitted to accept gifts up to a value of GHC 20,000. Any gift exceeding this amount must be declared to the Cabinet during the appointee’s tenure and must be surrendered upon leaving office unless the President explicitly authorizes its retention.
