Car gift saga: Mahama handled issue well – Apaak

President John Dramani Mahama gave a good account of himself on the issue of the Ford Expedition gifted him by Burkinabe contractor Djibril Kanzoe, who, in turn, has been given a series of contracts by the government of Ghana, Dr Clement Apaak, a presidential staffer has said.

According to Dr Apaak, the president was able to communicate well due to his rich background and training as a communicator.

President Mahama dared his critics accusing him of corruption in the matter to deal with him under the Constitution if they felt they had a case.

“If you believe I have indulged in corruption, you have the constitutional means to do what you want to do. But when you make baseless rumours and accusations, it won’t win you the presidency,” the president stated when he visited Nima in Accra as part of his tour of the Greater Accra Region.

He further clarified in a meeting with selected clergy at the seat of government on Thursday June 23 that he did not like American cars, an indication that he would not accept such a gift for personal use.

“I don’t use Ford. I don’t like American cars. I use Japanese cars. Toyota is my car,” Mr Mahama explained. “The issue of a Ford Expedition, I have never been under the illusion that that gift was a gift to the state, and it has never been used for my personal comfort.”

He added: “It is matter for the commission on human rights. I hear there is a petition there and appropriately, we will respond to it.”

Although critics of Mr Mahama have said these comments are unnecessary, Dr Appak thinks they are apt.

Speaking in an interview with Prince Minkah, host of the Executive Breakfast Show (EBS) on Friday June 24 2016, he said: “Everybody knows that his background training is in the area of communication and I believe that his pronouncements on this issue should put this issue to rest once and for all, but, of course, if some people are still not satisfied, they should go ahead and invoke whatever entities they believe will be able to help them to get a resolution of what continues to worry them or what we [government] clearly described as a baseless accusation or rumour.