The Office of the President has reaffirmed its directive for all outgoing Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Regional Ministers, and other political appointees to return government vehicles to their respective ministries by January 3, 2025.
This directive, which was first issued at the end of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s first term in 2020, is being enforced once again as his second and final term nears its conclusion.
In a statement released on Wednesday, December 11, the President’s office stressed that under no circumstances will any official vehicle be retained or acquired by appointees of the current administration. The statement highlighted that this policy underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring accountability and safeguarding public assets during the transition process.
The directive is comprehensive, applying to all categories of political appointees within the current administration. It includes Ministers of State, Deputy Ministers, Regional Ministers, Special Assistants, and Special Aides to the President and Vice President. Additionally, political appointees serving as Chairpersons or Members of Statutory Boards and Corporations are also required to comply with this directive.
The statement further specified that all government vehicles must be returned to the Chief Directors of the relevant ministries by the stipulated deadline. This measure is intended to ensure an orderly transition of government assets and to avoid any disputes over public property.
This directive is not new to Ghana’s political landscape. It reflects the broader principle of good governance and the ethical management of state resources. By reiterating this policy, the Akufo-Addo administration aims to set a clear precedent for transparency and accountability in the use of government resources by public officials.
The directive also addresses a longstanding issue in Ghana’s governance process: the mismanagement of government vehicles during political transitions. In previous years, the handover of public assets has been marred by instances of unreturned vehicles and unauthorized acquisitions, often leading to controversies and public outcry.
By firmly enforcing this directive, the administration seeks to mitigate such challenges and foster public confidence in the transition process. Ensuring that government vehicles are accounted for and returned in a timely manner not only protects public resources but also reinforces the principles of integrity and accountability among public officials.
The President’s office emphasized that failure to comply with the directive will attract serious consequences. Appointees who do not return vehicles by the January 3 deadline risk facing legal action or other penalties as determined by the government. This strict stance highlights the administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring a smooth transition.
While this directive primarily targets political appointees, it also sends a strong message to the broader public service and the citizens of Ghana. It underscores the importance of stewardship and the responsible management of state resources. Public officials are reminded that government property is not personal property, and its use must always align with the public interest.
As the country prepares for the end of President Akufo-Addo’s tenure, this policy serves as a critical step in the transition process. It lays the groundwork for a seamless handover of assets to the incoming administration while promoting a culture of accountability.
In addition to the directive on vehicles, the President’s office has called on all appointees to cooperate fully with transition teams and ensure that all government property, records, and resources are handed over appropriately. This holistic approach to the transition process reflects the administration’s determination to avoid disruptions and ensure continuity in governance.
The return of government vehicles is part of a broader framework for managing public resources during transitions. It complements other measures, such as the submission of handover notes by outgoing appointees and the establishment of transition teams to oversee the process. Together, these measures aim to create a structured and transparent approach to political transitions in Ghana.
Public reaction to the directive has been mixed. While many Ghanaians applaud the President’s commitment to accountability, others have raised concerns about the effectiveness of enforcement. Critics argue that similar directives in the past have not always been fully implemented, with some officials allegedly retaining government vehicles despite the policy.
However, the President’s office has assured the public that mechanisms are in place to monitor compliance and address any violations. The involvement of Chief Directors in the process is seen as a critical element in ensuring that all government vehicles are accounted for and returned as required.
As the January 3 deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the appointees to see how they respond to this directive. Their compliance—or lack thereof—will serve as a measure of the administration’s commitment to transparency and good governance.
In conclusion, the directive for the return of government vehicles is a vital part of Ghana’s transition process. It reflects the principles of accountability, integrity, and responsible stewardship of public resources. By enforcing this policy, the Akufo-Addo administration seeks to set a positive precedent for future transitions and strengthen public trust in the governance process.
