President John Dramani Mahama has renewed his administration's push for tougher ethical standards in public office, urging Parliament to expedite work on the Code of Conduct for Public Officers Bill as part of efforts to strengthen accountability and curb corruption.

The proposed legislation, currently before Parliament, is expected to set out clear standards of conduct for public officers while outlining sanctions for those who breach the rules.

Be very careful - President Mahama warns appointees against corruption

The President's call, delivered on his behalf by Legal Counsel to the President Marietta Brew at the launch of Parliament's National Integrity Awards, comes amid growing calls from civil society organisations for stronger legal measures to promote ethical leadership in the public sector.

Addressing the gathering, Ms Brew stressed that the country's fight against corruption goes beyond funding state institutions and requires leaders who uphold integrity.

"What it means is that institutions of state, institutions of government, cannot be strengthened with money alone. What it means is that the first step to strengthening our institutions is integrity and ethical leadership," she said.

She noted that the government's anti-corruption agenda is already gathering momentum, revealing that Cabinet has approved a new National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NECAP) to replace the previous framework, which expired in 2024.

"Recently, Cabinet has approved what we call the NECAP, the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan, to replace the National Anti-Corruption Plan, which expired in 2024. And that, I believe, has been submitted to Parliament," she said.

Ms Brew also urged lawmakers to give equal attention to the Code of Conduct for Public Office Holders Bill, which she described as a key instrument for promoting discipline and accountability in public service.

"Also before Parliament is the Code of Conduct for Public Office Holders Bill, which will direct all public officers on the kind of leadership we want to see in public service and the consequences for those who flout the law."

"And I believe that very soon Parliament will deal with these two very important initiatives."

According to the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition, Ghana loses an estimated GH¢3 billion annually to corruption, a figure that continues to fuel demands for stronger institutional reforms and stricter enforcement of ethical standards.

NA/