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The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has called on public officers of the newly elected government, members of the ninth Parliament, and all other public officials to immediately familiarise themselves with the Code of Conduct for Public Officers and declare their assets as required by law before taking office.
In a New Year’s message signed by CHRAJ Commissioner Joseph Whittal, the commission emphasised the need for public officers to uphold integrity and maintain ethical behaviour while executing their duties.
It urged the government to prioritise the passage of the Conduct of Public Officers Bill, which seeks to provide clearer regulations for public service.
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“The concept of administrative justice deals with how administrative bodies and officials exercise public power in a manner consistent with the law and the constitution,” CHRAJ stated. “Public office is an office of trust, and public officers are expected to act with integrity, ensuring that they advance the public interest at all times.”
The commission referenced Article 23 of the Constitution, which mandates that public officials and bodies act fairly and reasonably and comply with the law. In addition, individuals aggrieved by administrative decisions have the right to seek redress.
As the body responsible for promoting good governance and the rule of law, CHRAJ reminded public officers of their obligations under Chapter 24 of the Constitution, which outlines the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.
Notably, Article 284 states that public officers must avoid situations where their personal interests conflict with their official duties, particularly concerning matters such as corruption and conflict of interest.
CHRAJ highlighted the importance of asset declaration under Article 286 of the Constitution, which requires public officeholders to declare their assets to the Auditor-General within three months of assuming office, every four years, and at the end of their term.
The commission noted that it had observed instances where public officials either ignored the code or failed to comply, resulting in unethical conduct. CHRAJ emphasised that the Code of Conduct for Public Officers must be taken seriously to ensure ethical governance and reduce corruption.
“Failure to comply with these provisions undermines public trust in government and leads to unethical behaviour,” CHRAJ said. “We urge the government and all public officers to act with transparency and integrity in line with the constitutional mandates.”
The commission also addressed the broader concept of administrative justice, citing that Ghana, along with countries like Australia and Namibia, has recognised administrative justice as a fundamental human right. In the celebrated case of Awuni v. West African Examinations Council (2003-2004), the Supreme Court emphasised the constitutional imperative for fair administrative practices.
CHRAJ stressed that administrative justice should serve as a guiding principle in Ghana’s administrative state and that all public institutions should ensure the legality and lawfulness of their actions and decisions.
The commission also congratulated President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on their decisive election victories, as well as the newly re-elected Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, and the members of the ninth Parliament.
As Ghana begins the new year, CHRAJ called for continued efforts to uphold the rule of law, improve governance, and ensure that public officials fulfil their promises to the people they serve.
