Ghana’s battle against corruption continues to be a pressing issue, with recent statistics highlighting the urgent need for stronger accountability measures. In a country where perceptions of corruption can erode public trust and hinder development, the call for ethical governance has never been louder. On a recent episode of Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Mrs. Anna Bossman, former Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), made a compelling case for the immediate passage of the Conduct of Public Officers Bill. This bill, designed to ensure transparency and accountability within Ghana’s public sector, has been a topic of discussion for years. But why is the Conduct of Public Officers Bill so critical, and what obstacles stand in its way?

The Current State of Ethical Governance in Ghana

Ghana’s existing framework for ethical conduct in public office includes a new Code of Conduct (2025) introduced by President Mahama. This code aims to set ethical standards for public appointees. Mrs. Bossman acknowledged the good intentions behind the code, stating, “I think that probably the intention to have a code of conduct, which really is an ethical standard that he is setting for his appointees, is a good one.” However, a significant challenge remains: weak enforcement. Mrs. Bossman voiced concerns about the discretionary nature of enforcement, particularly the President’s role. “A code of conduct for ministers is just a set of ethical guidelines which you should follow and principles they should apply. But when you think about the enforcement, where it looks like the enforcement of some of these clauses is going to be at the discretion of the president…”, she noted, pointing to a potential conflict of interest.

The Conduct of Public Officers Bill: A Stronger Legal Framework

The Conduct of Public Officers Bill offers a more robust legal foundation for managing the behavior of public servants. While ethical standards are essential, they lack teeth without legal backing. The bill aims to create binding legal obligations, a significant step beyond the current guidelines. Mrs. Bossman emphasized the necessity of passing the bill into law: “What is important is that these ministers are public servants, and therefore, there is the Conduct of Public Officers Bill. That is the one that should be, first of all, passed into law. It should come before Parliament and be passed into law, and that will make it much easier for the president to be able to manage his appointees.” This legal framework provides a crucial layer of accountability that the existing code of conduct simply cannot provide.

CHRAJ’s Advocacy and the Bill’s Stalled Progress

CHRAJ has consistently advocated for the passage of the Conduct of Public Officers Bill for many years. Despite persistent calls from civil society organizations and anti-corruption institutions, the bill remains stalled in Parliament. Mrs. Bossman highlighted CHRAJ’s sustained efforts: “CHRAJ, I believe even this year, came up and urged Parliament to pass this bill, which has been held in the bills committee for such a long time. CHRAJ itself did a lot of work on the code of conduct. The problem for CHRAJ at that time was that it was not a law; it could not be enforced.” Transparency International Ghana (TIG) has also been involved, contributing to the refinement of the bill, aligning it with global legal frameworks and best practices.

The Impact of Passing the Bill: Benefits for Ghana

The passage of the Conduct of Public Officers Bill promises to significantly improve transparency and accountability within the government. By establishing clear legal standards for public servant conduct, the bill has the potential to reduce corruption and promote ethical governance across all sectors. Increased public trust in government institutions is another anticipated benefit. According to Mrs. Bossman, a key advantage lies in its deterrent effect: “If public officials know they are subject to legal consequences for unethical behavior, they will be less likely to engage in corrupt practices.”

In summary, the urgency of the Conduct of Public Officers Bill is clear. The current system, reliant on discretionary enforcement, falls short of ensuring accountability. The bill’s passage would provide a stronger, legally binding framework, leading to greater transparency, reduced corruption, and increased public trust. Mrs. Bossman’s call for Parliament to prioritize the bill echoes the sentiments of many Ghanaians. With growing pressure on Parliament to act decisively, the time for passing the Conduct of Public Officers Bill is now. Contact your representatives and advocate for its swift enactment, securing a more ethical and accountable future for Ghana.