Ex-ministers: We're embarrassed at handling of issue of cars

Accra, May 5, GNA - Eleven ex-ministers of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Tuesday said they were embarrassed at the way and manner government was handling issues concerning state vehicles they have acquired.

They said they were ready to return those vehicles whiles their money was refunded to them.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra, Nana Akomea spokesperson for the ex-ministers, noted that the directive by government to return state acquired vehicles came out of the blue.

According to Nana Akomea the directive also came without any prior discussion and that was completely against the spirit of discussion that had taken place between them and the transition team.

They said the press conference was in reaction to government's directive stating that, officials whose cars were less than two years old had been refused permission and that those vehicles which were more than two years old but had not completed processes should return them. Nana Akomea alleged that some of the state vehicles which had already been returned by some his colleagues were not being driven by serving ministers.

He said government, over the past four months, instead of tackling economic issues such as creating jobs and depreciating of the cedis, was tackling seizure of vehicles adding that, the NPP used a few days to release vehicles to beneficiaries when they took over power in 2001.

Nana Akomea said in 2001, 80 former Minister of the NDC whose vehicles were less than two years old applied and received approval on the a case-by-case basis.

He debunked claims that former ministers and other appointees had stolen vehicles or fled with vehicles or were holding vehicles illegally.

"They had exercised the option of officially buying vehicles and were in the various stages of due process, in exercising the option. They have been asked to hold on with the process and have since been waiting for the go-ahead from the new government."

Nana Akomea noted that, it had been policy that certain categories of public officials including judges, chief directors and ministers of State could exercise the option of buying their official vehicles at the end of the their services.

He said under the prescribed procedure eligible officers applied to purchase the vehicles, they were offered letters to the State Transport Corporation for valuation to be conducted on the vehicle, payment of the value is effected at the Bank of Ghana and then they were provided with letters to effect change of ownership.

"However, in the case of vehicles less than two years, the eligibility was not automatic, but considered on a case-by-case basis," he added.

The former Minister said the STC had since 1957 been evaluating those vehicles, adding that it was improper for an individual who works in the office of the Chief Staff to evaluate.

"That amounts to conflict of interest," he added.

Nana Akomea said if government was to effect changes in that policy, it should come out, adding, "we are ready to lend our support". On the economy, Nana Akomea debunked claims that that the Ghana economy was "not one to be proud of and that it had been recklessly mismanaged by the NPP".

He said in 2007, the economy of Ghana had a B+ sovereign credit rating adding, it was on that basis that, the country was able to raise finance on the international capital market through the historic issue of a sovereign bond of 750 million dollars, which was four times oversubscribed.

"By the end of 2007, inflation stood at 12.7 per cent, the cedi depreciated by 4.8 per cent, real GDP growth in 2007 was 6.3 per cent, the highest since 1990."

He described the attempt by the government to blame the fall of the cedi on the redenomination carried out by the NPP government as "funny" noting that, "redenomination did not affect relative prices".

"Redenomination, indeed, is a one-time event and cannot be used as explanation for persistent depreciation of a currency.

He said the current rapid depreciation in the value of the cedis and attendant high prices and slow down in business were being driven by lack of confidence in the ability of the NDC government to manage the economy.

"This lack of confidence is a result of NDC government's own gloomy

outlook and lack of credible economic programme in the midst of ongoing global financial crises."

Mrs. Gladys Asmah, former Minister in-Charge of Fisheries, noted that she had been defamed by government officials who embarked on a wild goose chase.

Mrs Asmah who maintained she would proceed to court for defamation of character entreated government officials to cross-check before embarking on their chase.

Mr Felix Owusu Agyapong, former Minister of Energy, said the NPP was interested in programmes that aimed at moving the nation forward. Among those present at the function were Mr Frank Agyekum, ex- deputy Minister of Information, Mrs Cecilia Abena Dapaah, ex-deputy Minister of water Resources, Works and Housing and Mr Kofi Osei-Ameyaw, ex-deputy Minister of for tourism.

The rest were Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng, ex-Minister for Information, Mr Akwasi Osei Agyei, ex-Minister for Foreign Affairs NEPAD and Regional Integration, Hajia Alima Mahama ex-Minister for Women and Children and Dr Aggrey Ntim, ex-Minister of Communication.