Former President John Dramani Mahama has stated that he will create a Governance Advisory Council as part of his vision to enhance political governance, aid in the fight against corruption, and guarantee the country’s adherence to human rights.
Speaking to National Democratic Congress (NDC) executives and supporters as part of his effort to lead his party to the 2024 elections, Mr. Mahama declared that members of the proposed Governance Advisory Council will include Ghanaians from all socioeconomic backgrounds, leaders of traditional and religious institutions, and representatives of civil society organizations.
According to Mr. Mahama, the duties of the Council will include the yearly release of a State of Governance in Ghana report. Mr. Mahama is promising to wage a sustained war against corruption and bad governance when elected in 2024.
“Every year, the Council will release a report on the state of human rights, corruption, and a report on our governance, which will serve as a guide for government to know whether we are on the right track with regard to issues of governance, corruption, human rights, media, and other freedoms including torture and crime”, Ex-President Mahama said.
In his efforts to encourage better governance and combat corruption, former President Mahama’s promise to establish the Governance Advisory Council will be yet another important step.
According to a statement made on April 16, 2023 by Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Mr. Mahama’s spokesperson, the former president introduced a code of ethics for ministers of state and government appointees during his first term in office.
According to Madam Bawah Mogtari, the code of ethics reflected the goal of his government to maintain an orderly government with clear systems, protocols, and performance and delivery standards.
According to the spokesperson, Mr. Mahama reminded the ministers of state that while some issues might be acceptable in a traditional and cultural context, they are illegal and unethical in terms of governance.
“One of the strongest ways to prevent unacceptable conduct and abuse of office by public officials is to demarcate the ethical boundaries within which actions and inactions could be deemed to be acceptable or unacceptable”, he noted.
