By Enoch 
Accra, Ghana – President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has issued a directive requiring all outgoing Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Regional Ministers, and other political appointees to return government vehicles by January 3, 2025. This move is part of the President’s commitment to responsible state resource management and accountability.
The Directive
In a statement issued by the Office of the President, Eugene Arhin, the Director of Communications, emphasized that no official vehicle shall be acquired by any appointee of the current administration as the term concludes. “All government vehicles in their possession must be returned to the Chief Director of the relevant Ministries no later than Friday, 3rd January, 2025,” the statement read.
Historical Context
This directive follows a similar one issued at the end of President Akufo-Addo’s first term in 2020. The policy barring appointees from acquiring official vehicles has been a consistent stance of the President’s administration, aimed at ensuring that state resources are managed responsibly.
Scope of the Directive
The directive applies to all government officials, including Ministers of State, Deputy Ministers, Regional Ministers, Special Assistants, Special Aides to the President and Vice President, and those serving on Statutory Boards and Corporations. The statement reiterated that the practice of allowing appointees to acquire a government vehicle, which was in place during past administrations, will not be applicable under President Akufo-Addo’s administration.
Public Reaction
The announcement has sparked various reactions from the public and political analysts. Many have praised the President’s commitment to accountability and transparency, while others have raised concerns about the implementation and enforcement of the directive. Social media platforms have been buzzing with discussions, with some users expressing support for the move and others questioning its impact on the outgoing appointees.
Accountability and Transparency
The directive underscores President Akufo-Addo’s commitment to accountability and transparency in governance. By ensuring that government vehicles are returned and not retained by appointees, the President aims to set a precedent for future administrations. This move is seen as part of a broader effort to curb misuse of state resources and promote a culture of integrity in public office.
Moving Forward
As the President’s second and final term comes to an end, the focus will be on ensuring a smooth transition and adherence to the directive. The Office of the President has expressed its expectation of full cooperation from all appointees in adhering to this important measure. The directive underscores the President’s commitment to responsible management of state resources and accountability in governance.
The Role of Civil Service
The civil service will play a crucial role in implementing this directive. Chief Directors and other senior officials will be responsible for ensuring that the vehicles are returned and properly accounted for. This process will involve meticulous record-keeping and coordination to ensure that all vehicles are returned in a timely manner.
Challenges and Considerations
While the directive is clear, its implementation may face some challenges. Ensuring that all appointees comply and that vehicles are returned in good condition will require careful monitoring. Additionally, there may be logistical issues in retrieving vehicles from various regions and ensuring they are properly documented.
Long-term Implications
The President’s directive not only addresses immediate concerns but also sets a precedent for future administrations. By emphasizing the importance of returning official vehicles, the directive highlights the need for ongoing vigilance in managing state resources. This could lead to the development of more robust policies and procedures to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of government assets.
President Akufo-Addo’s directive for appointees to return official vehicles by January 3, 2025, highlights the administration’s dedication to accountability and responsible resource management. As the nation prepares for a new administration, the emphasis on transparency and proper management of state assets remains a priority. This directive sets a positive example for future administrations and reinforces the importance of integrity and accountability in public service.