The Office of the President has reiterated the directive regarding the acquisition of official government vehicles by outgoing Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Regional Ministers and other political appointees at the end of the current administration’s term in office.

In this regard, all appointees have been directed to return all government vehicles in their possession to the Chief Director of the relevant Ministries no later than Friday, 3rd January 2025.

A statement signed by the Director of Communications, Eugene Arhin noted that after President Akufo-Addo’s first term in 2020, a directive prohibiting Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Regional Ministers, Special Assistants, Special Aides to the President and Vice President, and all other political appointees under the Presidential Office Act, 1993 (Act 463) from acquiring government vehicles was issued.

After the 2024 general elections, the Office has said that this directive remains in full effect “as we approach the end of the President’s second and final term”.

“While past administrations 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.

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

For clarity,  it added, all Ministers of State, Deputy Ministers, Regional Ministers, Special Assistants, Special Aides to the President and Vice President, and other political appointees, including those serving as Chairpersons or Members of Statutory Boards and Corporations, are required to comply strictly with this directive.

“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,” the statement noted.