Outgoing Ministers, Appointees Banned from Buying Official Cars

 …As President Directs All Gov’t Vehicles Be Returned By January 3

The Office of the President, has reiterated its policy, prohibiting outgoing appointees of government, such as Ministers, Deputy Minister, head of state agencies among others, from acquiring official government vehicles as the current administration’s term in office comes to end.

The directive, first introduced at the end of President Akufo-Addo’s first term in 2020, remains unchanged as his second and final term draws to a close on January 7, 2025.

A statement issued yesterday Wednesday, December 11, and signed by the Director of Communication at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, said this directive, remains in full effect.

“No official vehicle shall be acquired by any appointee of the current administration as the term concludes,” the statement clarifies.

As a result, the presidency, has directed that all government vehicles in the possession of any appointees, should be returned to the Chief Director of the relevant Ministries, no later than Friday, January 3, 2025.

The statement emphasized that, this prohibition extends to Ministers of State, Deputy Ministers, Regional Ministers, Special Assistants, Special Aides to the President and Vice President, and appointees serving as Chairpersons or Members of Statutory Boards and Corporations.

Though governments in the past, have adhered to a convention allowing appointees to acquire one official saloon vehicle through valuation by the State Transport Company Ltd., President Akufo Addo, has reiterated that this practice will not be applicable under his administration.

The convention, had brought a lot of confusion between outgoing and incoming governments.

In some cases, vehicles belonging to the state sold to these outgoing appointees become target for seizure and ransacking of homes and offices.

But, according to the statement, “This directive underscores the President’s commitment to accountability and the responsible management of state resources. The Office of the President anticipates the cooperation of all appointees in adhering to this important measure”.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), has issued a warning to the general public, regarding a fraudulent media release about a vehicle auction purportedly organized by the Authority.

The authority, has clarified that any such announcements, are unauthorized and may lead to misinformation.

In a statement, the GRA, emphasized the importance of verifying information through official channels to avoid falling victim to scams.

The public, is urged to stay informed and exercise caution when encountering such announcements.

“The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has sighted a fake media release on a vehicle auction dated December 3, 2024, purported to be coming from the Commissioner-General of the GRA.

“GRA wishes to inform the general public that the notice circulating in the public domain is FAKE.”

The GRA’s warning comes in response to reports of fraudulent activities aimed at deceiving the public.

The authority, reiterated its commitment to transparency and urged citizens to rely on official communications for accurate information.

Below Is Published, The Statement: