Accra, May 5, GNA - Twelve former officials of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Government have returned their duty post vehicles following the ultimatum issued by the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) Government last week.

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

It said those that had been returned included vehicles that were less than two years old on January 6, 2009, vehicles that were being illegally kept by persons who had not received approval from government and others who had taken away their duty post vehicles without any documentation.

The statement said Government had, following the expiration of the ultimatum, 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.

However, it said Government hoped that persons who were still in possession of vehicles, especially those hiding the vehicles would return them.

The statement said apart from persons in possession of vehicles that were less than two years old and those whose names had been listed by the Association of Former Ministers (2001-2008), "there are over 50 former officials who either drove away vehicles without notification or are keeping state vehicles."

It said available Government records indicated that those in possession of these vehicles apart from former ministers; included special assistants, special aides, National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) operatives and persons who were long relieved of their positions.

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

It said among those who had returned their vehicles were Professor George Gyan Baffour, Former Deputy Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, Mr Clement Eledi, a former Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr Benjamin Aggrey-Ntim, former Minister for Communication and Mr Frederick Opare Ansah, former Deputy Minister for Communication.