All Official Vehicles to be Returned by Government Appointees by January 3, 2025

President Nana Akufo-Addo has directed all government appointees, including ministers, deputy ministers, regional ministers, and other political appointees, to return all official vehicles by Friday, January 3, 2025. This directive underscores the President’s firm commitment to ensuring accountability and the responsible use of state resources throughout his administration.

The reminder came through a statement issued by Eugene Arhin, the Director of Communications at the Presidency, on December 11, 2024. The statement reaffirmed that the President’s previous directive, issued in 2020, under the Presidential Office Act of 1993 (Act 463), which prohibits appointees from acquiring state vehicles, remains in full force. This means that appointees who are in possession of government vehicles must return them in a timely manner by the specified deadline.

In the statement, Arhin explained that while prior administrations allowed appointees to acquire official vehicles, typically a single saloon vehicle, this practice will not continue under President Akufo-Addo’s leadership. Under the previous practice, appointees could purchase an official vehicle through a valuation process facilitated by the State Transport Company Ltd. However, the President has made it clear that his administration will not entertain such arrangements, and no official vehicles will be allowed to be acquired by any political appointee as his term comes to a close.

The directive from the President applies to all categories of government appointees, including ministers, deputy ministers, regional ministers, special assistants, and special aides to both the President and the Vice President. It also includes political appointees serving as chairpersons or members of statutory boards and corporations. These individuals are expected to strictly adhere to the directive and return any government vehicles in their possession by the deadline of January 3, 2025.

Arhin emphasized that this measure is part of the broader efforts to maintain accountability and transparency in the use of state resources. The President’s decision to maintain the prohibition on the acquisition of state vehicles by appointees is consistent with his administration’s commitment to prudent fiscal management and the proper stewardship of public assets.

The return of government vehicles by political appointees is seen as part of broader efforts to curb wasteful spending and ensure that resources are used effectively for the benefit of the public. As the administration prepares to transition, the directive aims to set an example of discipline and responsibility in the handling of public assets.

In addition to reiterating the ban on acquiring state vehicles, the statement made it clear that all government vehicles currently in the possession of appointees must be returned to the Chief Director of the relevant ministries no later than January 3, 2025. This is a firm deadline, and those who fail to comply with the directive will likely face consequences.

This move is also seen as part of an ongoing effort to ensure that there is no misuse of state property once the current administration ends. By mandating the return of all official vehicles, the President is reinforcing the principle that government resources should be used only for their intended purpose and should not be treated as personal assets by political appointees.

The decision to enforce this directive and maintain the ban on vehicle acquisition also comes at a time when there is increasing public scrutiny of how government resources are allocated and used. The Akufo-Addo administration has faced criticism in the past over the allocation of state resources, and this directive can be viewed as an attempt to regain public trust by taking concrete steps toward reducing wasteful spending.

Furthermore, the President’s directive is in line with the broader theme of his administration’s policies, which prioritize transparency, good governance, and accountability. By setting strict guidelines on the use of government assets and requiring the return of official vehicles, President Akufo-Addo is sending a strong message about the importance of fiscal discipline and the need for appointees to act in the public’s best interest.

The President’s directive for all government appointees to return official vehicles by January 3, 2025, serves as a reminder of the administration’s commitment to the responsible management of public resources. The strict adherence to this directive is expected to set a positive precedent for future administrations, ensuring that government assets are used properly and effectively for the benefit of the people.