Akufo-Addo reiterates ban on govt vehicle acquisition by outgoing appointees

 

 The Office of the President has reiterated its firm directive prohibiting outgoing Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Regional Ministers, and other political appointees from acquiring government vehicles at the end of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s tenure.

The directive, originally issued in 2020 at the conclusion of the President’s first term, remains in effect as his second and final term winds down. The announcement, signed by Eugene Arhin, Director of Communications at the Office of the President, underscores President Akufo-Addo’s commitment to ensuring accountability and the responsible management of state resources.

The directive explicitly bans the practice, common under previous administrations, of allowing appointees to acquire one official saloon vehicle after valuation by the State Transport Company Ltd. President Akufo-Addo has reaffirmed that this practice will not be permitted under his leadership.

“All government vehicles in the possession of appointees must be returned to the Chief Director of the relevant Ministries no later than Friday, January 3, 2025,” the statement read.

The directive applies to:

• Ministers and Deputy Ministers of State,
• Regional Ministers,
• Special Assistants and Special Aides to the President and Vice President,
• Chairpersons and Members of Statutory Boards and Corporations, and
• All other political appointees under the Presidential Office Act, 1993 (Act 463).

The Office of the President emphasized that this measure demonstrates President Akufo-Addo’s commitment to safeguarding public assets and ensuring transparency in the management of state resources. “This is a decisive step toward accountability, and we expect full compliance from all appointees,” the statement added.

Under previous administrations, the acquisition of government vehicles by outgoing appointees was seen as a standard benefit, often justified as compensation for service. However, critics have argued that this practice drains state resources and raises questions about accountability.

By discontinuing this convention, President Akufo-Addo has drawn a clear line, reinforcing his administration’s stance on protecting public assets and ensuring that state resources are handed over to the incoming government intact.

The success of the directive will depend on the cooperation of political appointees as the country transitions to the new administration, set to take office in January 2025. The incoming government, led by President-Elect John Dramani Mahama, will inherit the responsibility of continuing measures to enhance transparency and accountability in governance.

As Ghana prepares for the change in leadership, this directive reflects an effort to establish a precedent for the responsible stewardship of state resources, ensuring continuity and trust in the nation’s democratic processes.