President John Dramani Mahama has explained that government’s Code of Conduct for public officials is being strengthened into law, stressing that while an earlier version served as a moral guide, the new framework before Parliament will be fully enforceable.

Speaking at a Presidential Dialogue with Civil Society Organisations, the President said the administration had already introduced internal ethical guidelines for ministers even before the legislative process commenced.

“The code of conduct is before Parliament. But even before Parliament received the bill, we had started our own code of conduct,” President Mahama said.

He noted that the initial version was formally launched at the Presidency shortly after ministerial appointments, with copies distributed to all ministers.

“We published it, and at the time that we appointed our ministers, we gave them copies. There was a ceremony in this very room where we launched the code of conduct and gave it to the ministers and asked them to study it,” he stated.

President Mahama, however, drew a clear distinction between the existing internal guidelines and the proposed legislation currently under consideration in Parliament.

“But now we’re going to legislate the code of conduct. That is the difference. The one that we gave to them was moral persuasion, but now it’s going to be law,” he explained.

He emphasized that once passed, the Code of Conduct would carry legal force and be binding on all public officials.

“And so everything there in the code of conduct, Parliament is going to debate it, and everything in the Code of Conduct will be enforceable,” he said.

President Mahama also expressed confidence in Parliament’s role in refining the bill, adding that the executive would act promptly once the legislative process is completed.

“We leave it to the best judgment of our representatives in Parliament to take the code through the processes, and when they have passed it and brought it as a law, I can assure you that I will assent to it as quickly as possible,” he assured.

President John Dramani Mahama has assured that government is prepared to implement measures aimed at protecting consumers should rising global oil prices continue to put pressure on domestic fuel costs.

Speaking during a Presidential Dialogue with Civil Society Organisations, the President noted that while Ghana has recently enjoyed relatively stable and even lower fuel prices, external shocks are beginning to pose a potential upside risk.

“Things were sailing quite smoothly, and indeed, we’re beginning to enjoy some of the lowest fuel prices in a long time,” he said. However, he explained that current pressures are largely driven by global crude oil movements rather than domestic currency instability.

“The cedi remains stable, but the push factor in the oil price build-up is coming from the price of crude oil and finished products,” President Mahama stated.

He attributed the global volatility to geopolitical tensions affecting oil markets, warning that continued instability could force government to take corrective steps.

“If this thing continues some more, then we’ll have to take some decisive decisions,” he cautioned.

According to him, government is already considering a range of interventions to cushion consumers against possible price increases. These include adjustments to fuel marketing margins as well as the strategic use of the recently introduced development levy.

“Some of the weapons we have is to look at the margins, to try and cushion consumers, and then also look at the recently imposed one cedi development levy to try and cushion consumers,” he explained.

President Mahama stressed that fuel prices play a central role in Ghana’s inflation dynamics, particularly through transport costs which affect food prices and the broader cost of living.

“Fuel moves the transport sector, and the transport sector is the main driver of inflation. If fuel goes up, the cost of transporting food items goes up, and it affects inflation in the food basket,” he said.

He assured that government remains vigilant and is working closely with economic experts to monitor developments and respond appropriately to protect households from the impact of global energy shocks.

President John Dramani Mahama is set to host Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on a three-day State Visit to Ghana from Wednesday, April 1 to Friday, April 3, 2026.

According to a statement from the Presidency, President Mnangagwa will arrive at the Accra International Airport at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, where he will be received with full military honours by President Mahama. The ceremony will feature an inspection of a Guard of Honour mounted by the Ghana Armed Forces, followed by a 21-gun salute.

Later in the evening, President Mahama will host a State Banquet in honour of his Zimbabwean counterpart, in celebration of the long-standing relations between the two countries.

The highlight of the visit will be bilateral talks between the two leaders at the Peduase Lodge. The discussions, which will begin with a tête-à-tête, are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in key sectors including trade, tourism, health, sanitation, agriculture, anti-corruption efforts, and job creation.

Both leaders are also expected to preside over the signing and exchange of several Memoranda of Understanding aimed at deepening diplomatic and economic ties between Ghana and Zimbabwe.

As part of his itinerary, President Mnangagwa will visit the Sweden Ghana Medical Centre and the Accra Compost and Recycling Plant to gain insight into Ghana’s advancements in healthcare delivery and sustainable waste management.

He will also pay homage to Ghana’s founding father, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, by laying a wreath at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.

President Mnangagwa is expected to depart Ghana on Friday, April 3, with full departure honours at the Jubilee Lounge.

The visit is anticipated to further strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation between Accra and Harare.

Read the statement below;