By Alex Ababio
The Presidency has reaffirmed its stance against outgoing political appointees, including Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Regional Ministers, and others, acquiring official government vehicles as the current administration nears its end.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, the Communications Directorate at Jubilee House stressed that this directive, first introduced at the conclusion of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s first term in 2020, remains firmly in place.
The release explicitly stated, “No official vehicle shall be acquired by any appointee of the current administration as the term concludes.” The restriction applies to Ministers of State, Deputy Ministers, Regional Ministers, Special Assistants, Special Aides to the President and Vice President, as well as appointees serving as Chairpersons or Members of Statutory Boards and Corporations.
Departure from Previous Practices
Unlike some past governments that allowed appointees to purchase official saloon vehicles through valuation by the State Transport Company Ltd., President Akufo-Addo has maintained that his administration will not follow this precedent.
The statement reiterated, “At the conclusion of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s first term in 2020, a directive was issued prohibiting Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Regional Ministers, Special Assistants, Special Aides to the President and Vice President, and all other political appointees under the Presidential Office Act, 1993 (Act 463) from acquiring government vehicles.”
Deadline for Vehicle Return
The Office of the President has instructed all appointees to return government vehicles in their possession to the Chief Directors of their respective ministries no later than Friday, January 3, 2025.
Highlighting the purpose of the directive, the release noted it reflects President Akufo-Addo’s “commitment to accountability and the responsible management of state resources.”
The statement concluded with a call for cooperation, stating, “The Office of the President anticipates the cooperation of all appointees in adhering to this important measure.”