By Daniel Bampoe
A heated debate has erupted over the ethics of political gifting and public spending after the Deputy Government Spokesperson, Shamima Muslim, described GH¢20,000 in the hands of a minister as “a pittance,” considering the constant demands and pressures they face in office.
Speaking on Joy News, she said “Let me tell you that GH¢20,000 in the hands of a minister for a day is like a pittance in comparison to the amount of pressure and demands and requests that come to them”.
Shamima Muslim argued that “You can be assured that even if that minister receives GH¢20,000 as a gift, that GH¢ 20,000 will go to solve the problems of 120, 300 people asking for GH¢10 or GH¢100.”
Her comments come just a day after President John Mahama unveiled a landmark Code of Conduct for Political Appointees, aimed at tightening ethical standards in public office and discouraging corrupt practices.
The code strictly prohibits appointees from accepting significant gifts, particularly those exceeding GH¢20,000, unless declared and surrendered upon leaving office.
Shamima Muslim, while acknowledging the risks of corrupting influence, called for a broader public conversation around governance financing.
“We must not discount this,” she warned. “It is acting like the proverbial ostrich—who sees nothing, hears nothing—that creates the deterioration of our democracy.”
“Gift-giving is part of human nature, but it has the potential of corrupting anybody,” she added, underscoring how informal expectations placed on ministers often clash with formal ethical standards.
Her remarks drew swift reactions, including a rebuttal from former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo, who questioned the entire premise.
“Is sharing money part of the work of a public office holder?” Domelevo asked bluntly.
“A minister has no job distributing money to people… When I was in office, you would not even get a dollar or a cedi from me because that is not my job. I’m not there to give money to people.”
Another panelist echoed Domelevo’s sentiments: “So please, Shamima, I agree with you that we have been encouraging some of these misbehaviours for a very long time. Let us reset the country—not using standards which are unacceptable. Let’s look for standards that meet international acceptance.”
The Code of Conduct launched by President Mahama is a cornerstone of his administration’s commitment to transparency and ethical governance. It demands that all appointees:
Serve with integrity and impartiality:
Place national interest above personal gain, avoid misuse of state resources, declare and manage conflicts of interest and reject opulence and remain accountable for public funds
Gifts received in official capacity above the GH¢20,000 threshold must be declared, with exceptions only allowed by presidential approval.
The code also forbids using public funds for private generosity—including “freebies” and hampers—unless expressly permitted for modest staff recognition.
Speaking at the launch, President Mahama emphasized: “This Code represents a bold declaration of the standards we must uphold as servants of the public… There will be no sacred cows.”
The President warned that any appointee who failed to declare assets by May 7 would face automatic dismissal.
Those who missed the earlier March 31 deadline have already forfeited three months’ salary to the MahamaCares Trust Fund, with an additional month’s pay due for continued noncompliance.
However, the remarks by Shamima Muslim—and the sharp counterpoints raised—have ignited public discourse about the true role of ministers in responding to personal appeals for help, and whether Ghana’s political culture enables or undermines ethical leadership.
