Minister of Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu has revealed the intention behind the two electric vehicles gifted to President John Dramani Mahama.
According to Kwakye Ofosu, the two companies that produced the EV vehicles paid a courtesy call on the President to inform him that they had started production of electric vehicles.
In an interview with TV3 Keypoints monitored by Kumasimail, the Minister explained the usual protocols that take place whenever the President travels or attends events.
He said, “The President travels, he goes to events, the organizers and other people give him token gifts to mark the event. So it is about what you do in the instance.”
Regarding the two vehicles, Kwakye Ofosu said, “There are two companies that have started the marketing of EV vehicles-vehicles that don’t use fossil fuel but batteries, which is part of the transition from fossil fuel to green energy in order to safeguard our environment. Now they perceive that if a high-profile personality is associated with that movement, it may help promote the idea of converting to that. So they thought, let us give him these two cars to draw attention to the existence of this product. So it was in that spirit that it was seen.”
He added that the President does not need those vehicles, as he is provided for by the state and will not use them.
“So immediately, he declared them and handed over to the state. Indeed, the rule is that if you happen to have a gift above a certain threshold, you hand it over to the state. And this is something that happens across the world. In other places, the threshold is lower.”
Kwakye Ofosu further explained, “There are places where you can’t receive something above 5,000 and keep it. Indeed, there are Presidents who hand over all manner of momentous that they receive. It is commemoratory in many, many cases. It is not something they really need and certainly not going to influence their decision one way or the other.”
Addressing concerns that the companies might bid for government contracts, the Minister said, “It may be true, but government contracts and procurement are guided by a certain law. They have to meet that standard before they are awarded. If they don’t meet that standard, it can land them in courts.”
Background:
President John Mahama handed over two vehicles gifted to him to the state’s pool, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
The declaration was made on Monday, May 5, in line with his newly unveiled code of conduct for government appointees.
The vehicles were officially presented by Government Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu to Chief of Staff Julius Debrah.
The handover ceremony took place at Jubilee House shortly after President Mahama launched a revised Code of Conduct for Political Appointees.
Source: www.kumasimail.com /Kwadwo Owusu
