PRESS STATEMENT

Twelve (12) former government officials have returned their duty post vehicles following the ultimatum issued by government last week. They include vehicles that were less than two years old as at 06th January 2009, vehicles that were been illegally kept by persons who had not received approval from government and others who had taken away their duty post vehicles without any documentation.

A statement from the Ministry of Information and signed by Deputy Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said few others have informed the appropriate government offices of their intention to return the cars.

Government has, following the expiration of the ultimatum issued last week, directed the state security agencies to take immediate steps to retrieve all government registered vehicles in the illegal possession of various persons across the country.

According to Mr. Okudzeto Ablakwa, government is however hoping that persons who are still in possession of vehicles, especially those hiding the vehicles would return them.

He explained that apart from persons in possession of vehicles that are less than two years old and those whose names have been listed by the Association of Former Ministers (2001- 2008), “there are over fifty (50) former officials who either drove away vehicles without notification or are keeping state vehicles.”

According to government records, those in possession of these vehicles apart from former ministers, include special assistants, special aides, NADMO operatives and persons who were long relieved of their positions.

The statement noted government’s appreciation of the various persons who returned their cars, adding that the Chief Director at the Office of the President is processing any refunds that are due persons whose vehicles were less than two years.

Among those who have returned their vehicles are Professor Gyan Baffuor- former deputy minister for finance, Clement Eledi- a former deputy minister, Benjamin Aggrey-Ntim- former Minister for Communications and Frederick Opare Ansah- former deputy minister for communications.

SAMUEL OKUDZETO ABLAKWA DEPUTY MINISTER FOR INFORMATION