Gov’t reminds public officials of Mahama’s Code of Conduct

Government has sent a strong caution to public officials, stating that the Code of Conduct for Public Office Holders issued by President John Dramani Mahama is still in force and anyone found guilty “will be made to face the consequences."

Heads of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as those that rely on public funds have been, consequently, warned that they would be held accountable “for any misapplication and inappropriate use of public funds, as well as any infringements of the Financial Administration Rules.”

These were contained in a statement issued by Minister of Communications Dr Edward Omane Boamah, backing the Auditor-General’s reported move to probe alleged misappropriation of funds by Commissioner for the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) Lauretta Vivian Lamptey.

Last week, a report by Daily Graphic accused Ms Lamptey of renting a des res at the expense of the state and even ordering renovation of her official residence outside the budget of the Commission.

A report in Monday’s edition of the newspaper said Ms Lamptey’s action was queried in 2012 by the Auditor-General.

“We also recommend to management to ensure that henceforth, accurate data is submitted for the release of funds to prevent a recurrence, otherwise the responsible officers would be held liable for a refund of the excess funding,” the Auditor-General's report said.

But Dr Omane Boamah's statement on Monday said government expects the Auditor-General to complete its audit within the shortest possible time.

“Under public service regulations, all state officials who are entitled to official accommodation but are not allocated same may only collect twenty percent (20%) of their salary in lieu of rent unless otherwise expressly stated in their conditions of service.”

It said CHRAJ like other public institutions is funded by tax revenue and allegations of misuse of those funds must be looked into.

“All public officials, both political and non-political, are also reminded of the Code of Conduct for Public Office Holders issued by President John Mahama, and are cautioned to note that should they be found to have contravened any of the country’s laws they will be made to face the consequences.”