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0 A new one-year assessment of the Centre for Democratic Development Ghana (CDD-Ghana) has flagged what it describes as a major loophole in the government’s anti-corruption framework, warning that the GH₵20,000 gift threshold for ministers could weaken accountability safeguards.
In its evaluation of the John Dramani Mahama administration released on Thursday, February 19, the civil society organisation said the current limit set under the Code of Conduct for ministers is “alarmingly high” and risks opening the door to undue influence.
According to CDD-Ghana, allowing ministers to receive gifts valued up to GH₵20,000 without triggering serious scrutiny creates what it termed “significant loopholes for potential corruption”.
The think tank argued that international best practice typically favours much lower thresholds or outright bans on high-value gifts to public officials, especially those involved in procurement and policy decisions.
The organisation further expressed concern over what it described as the President’s inaction on mounting calls for a review of the threshold.
CDD-Ghana noted that the continued silence on proposals to reduce the cap “partly undermines the credibility of the Code”, particularly at a time when public trust in anti-corruption efforts remains fragile.
Analysts say the issue has become a litmus test for the administration’s broader commitment to tightening ethical standards in public office.
Beyond the gift threshold debate, the report also pointed to delays in passing the long-anticipated Conduct of Public Officers Bill, describing the hold-up as a missed opportunity to strengthen Ghana’s accountability architecture.
The bill, if enacted, is expected to provide a more comprehensive legal framework governing conflicts of interest, asset declarations, and ethical conduct among public officials.
CDD-Ghana warned that without the legislation, reforms risk remaining largely administrative rather than legally enforceable.
Anti-corruption advocates say the concerns raised could fuel renewed public debate about transparency standards within government, especially as Ghana continues to pursue fiscal consolidation and governance reforms.
The Mahama administration has repeatedly pledged to strengthen accountability systems, but civil society groups maintain that closing policy loopholes — including the gift threshold — will be critical to demonstrating tangible progress.
CDD-Ghana is urging the government to review the cap urgently and fast-track the Conduct of Public Officers Bill to reinforce public confidence in the country’s anti-corruption regime.
