A recent one-year assessment by the Centre for Democratic Development Ghana (CDD-Ghana) has highlighted a significant gap in the government’s anti-corruption framework, warning that the GH₵20,000 gift threshold for ministers could undermine accountability measures.
In its evaluation of the John Dramani Mahama administration, released on Thursday, February 19, the civil society organisation described the current limit under the Code of Conduct for ministers as “alarmingly high,” cautioning that it may allow for undue influence.
CDD-Ghana noted that permitting ministers to accept gifts worth up to GH₵20,000 without triggering strict scrutiny creates “significant loopholes for potential corruption.” The think tank argued that international best practices generally recommend much lower thresholds or outright prohibitions on high-value gifts to public officials, particularly those involved in procurement and policymaking.
The organisation also expressed concern over what it called the President’s inaction regarding growing calls to review the threshold, stating that the continued silence “partly undermines the credibility of the Code,” especially at a time when public trust in anti-corruption initiatives remains fragile.
Analysts have suggested that the gift threshold issue serves as a litmus test for the administration’s broader commitment to upholding ethical standards in public office.
Beyond the gift limit, the report pointed to delays in passing the long-awaited Conduct of Public Officers Bill, describing the hold-up as a missed opportunity to strengthen Ghana’s accountability framework. The bill, if enacted, is expected to provide a comprehensive legal structure governing conflicts of interest, asset declarations, and ethical conduct for public officials.
CDD-Ghana warned that without the legislation, reforms risk remaining largely administrative rather than legally enforceable.
Anti-corruption advocates have said the concerns raised by the report could reignite public debate over transparency standards within government, particularly as Ghana continues to pursue fiscal consolidation and governance reforms.
While the Mahama administration has repeatedly pledged to strengthen accountability systems, civil society groups maintain that addressing policy loopholes including the gift threshold is crucial for demonstrating tangible progress.
CDD-Ghana is urging the government to review the GH₵20,000 cap urgently and to fast-track the Conduct of Public Officers Bill to bolster public confidence in Ghana’s anti-corruption regime.
