In a firm move to safeguard public resources, the Office of the President has restated its prohibition on political appointees acquiring official government vehicles as the administration approaches the end of its second term. This policy, initially implemented at the conclusion of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s first term in 2020, will continue without exception.
The announcement, issued through a statement signed by Eugene Arhin, Director of Communications, explicitly bars outgoing Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Regional Ministers, and other political appointees from purchasing any government vehicles, including saloon cars typically offered through valuation by the State Transport Company Ltd.
This directive reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to accountability and the responsible use of public assets. All official vehicles currently in the custody of appointees—including those used by ministers, special assistants, aides to the President and Vice President, and members of statutory boards—must be returned to the respective Ministries’ Chief Directors by January 3, 2025.
The directive is rooted in the Presidential Office Act, 1993 (Act 463), which governs the management of state resources. It aligns with the government’s broader objectives of enhancing transparency and efficiency in public administration.
By enforcing this policy, the administration seeks to set a precedent for ethical leadership and fiscal prudence, while sending a clear message about the importance of safeguarding state assets. The Office of the President has urged all appointees to comply fully, underscoring that the measure is essential to ensuring the integrity of governance as the nation prepares for a new administration.
This decision not only reinforces the government’s zero-tolerance approach to the personal acquisition of state property but also signals its dedication to maintaining public trust through sound management of national resources.
Back story:
In Ghana, the issue of political appointees acquiring state vehicles at the end of their tenure has been a contentious topic for decades. Historically, outgoing ministers, deputy ministers, regional ministers, and other appointees have often been allowed to purchase the vehicles assigned to them during their time in office. This practice, though seemingly convenient, has been criticized for its lack of transparency and its potential to erode public trust in the management of state resources.
The Rise of the Vehicle Valuation System
The controversy dates back to the introduction of a system that allowed outgoing appointees to acquire official vehicles through valuation by the State Transport Company (STC) or other designated bodies. Vehicles, typically saloon cars, were assessed at depreciated rates, enabling appointees to purchase them at a fraction of their market value. While this arrangement was defended as a cost-saving measure for the state—given the high maintenance costs of older vehicles—critics argued it amounted to a disguised privilege for political elites.
Abuse of the System
Over the years, the process became fraught with allegations of abuse. Reports surfaced of appointees acquiring luxury vehicles, sometimes barely used, at heavily discounted rates. In some cases, multiple vehicles were purchased by a single appointee or close associates, sparking public outrage. These practices fueled perceptions of entitlement and wastefulness among government officials, undermining efforts to promote accountability and prudent resource management.
Transition Challenges
The issue often came to a head during government transitions. Successive administrations accused outgoing officials of depleting state vehicle fleets before handing over power. New governments frequently launched probes into missing or unreturned vehicles, creating political tension and disrupting governance. These investigations revealed gaps in record-keeping and enforcement, with some vehicles reportedly resold or exported, further complicating recovery efforts.
Policy Reforms and Resistance
Recognizing the public dissatisfaction, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s administration introduced a strict policy in 2020 to end the practice. The directive prohibited political appointees from acquiring state vehicles and mandated the return of all official vehicles at the end of an administration’s tenure. While the policy was lauded by civil society organizations as a step toward accountability, it faced quiet resistance from some quarters, with appointees arguing that they often incurred personal expenses maintaining these vehicles.
Looking Ahead
The recent reaffirmation of this policy for 2025 signals the administration’s commitment to upholding its reforms. It also reflects a broader shift toward ethical governance and efficient resource management. However, ensuring compliance will require robust oversight mechanisms and a cultural shift within public office to prioritize the collective good over personal gain.
As the debate over political appointees and state vehicle acquisitions continues, the focus must remain on fostering transparency and rebuilding public trust in how national resources are managed. Only then can Ghana move past this long-standing challenge.