Professor Mills returns cars

AN amicable settlement has been reached between the government and the former Vice President, Professor John Evans Atta Mills, resulting in the return to the state of two vehicles hitherto allocated to the latter as part of his resettlement package.

Under the terms of the settlement negotiated between the Office of the President and Bram Larbi and Beechem Company, a reputable law firm representing Professor Mills, the former Vice President, was offered the option to choose one of the three vehicles in his custody as part of his resettlement package.

The Chief of Staff, Mr Kwadwo Mpiani, who was shedding light on the return last Tuesday of two vehicles from Professor Mills to the Castle, said that his outfit had already despatched a letter to the former Vice President formally acknowledging receipt of the two vehicles.

He explained that following the decision of government to allocate only one vehicle each to the former President and his Vice in accordance with the Greenstreet Report on the resettlement of former leaders, letters were despatched to them to that effect.

Mr Mpiani pointed out that following the absence from the country of Professor Mills during that period action was to be taken on the matter, the government thought it wise and prudent to wait for his return.

“On his return, contact was made and instructions given by him (Professor Mills) to the effect that discussions on the matter be conducted with his lawyers, Bram Larbi and Beechem Company. This was done and our position, which we believe to be in conformity with the law, was put before the lawyers,” he said.

The Chief of Staff said that after some fruitful discussions by both parties, an amicable conclusion to the matter was reached following which the former Vice President chose one of the three vehicles and instructed that the other two be returned to the Castle.

He explained further that in taking this step, the government was motivated by the need to act in conformity with the law and to set the example for others to follow and do what is right and proper.

Speaking to the Graphic on the subject, Mr Bram Larbi of Bram Larbi and Beechem confirmed the return by Professor Mills of the two vehicles and said his outfit had been involved in discussions that led to the conclusion of the matter.

“Professor Mills is a gentleman and a law-abiding personality and would therefore act in conformity with the law,” he stressed.