'You don’t accept, then donate, you reject' - Dr Asante criticises Mahama over gifted cars

Dr. Kojo Pumpuni Asante believes President John Mahama should have rejected two donated vehicles. Instead, he accepted them and transferred them to the state pool.

Asante is the Director of Policy Engagements and Partnerships at CDD-Ghana. He called the gesture a “no-no.” He warned it could compromise the presidency and set a bad precedent for public office.

Speaking on PM Express with Evans Mensah, Dr. Asante said, “You don’t accept and then donate; you reject.” He emphasized that these are high-value gifts. We must discourage influential individuals from making such donations to the President.

He noted that the President holds too much power. This creates potential conflicts of interest that cannot be resolved easily.

His comments came after President Mahama launched a new Code of Conduct for appointees. The President also publicly acknowledged receiving two vehicles as gifts before handing them over to the state.

Dr. Asante questioned this approach. He asked how one can determine if the President is influenced in such situations.

“You simply can’t,” he stated. “The best way forward is to avoid it entirely.” He added that changing these behaviors is difficult but necessary for reform.

He cited global best practices as examples to support his argument. “We need to apply these carefully,” he said, emphasizing accountability and integrity.

Dr. Asante expressed concerns about a proposed ¢200,000 threshold for declaring gifts. He questioned its logic and potential loopholes.

He stated, “The act of accepting a high-value item as President carries implications.” Symbolic gestures alone won’t build a culture of integrity in public life.

“We need to change our thinking about power and public office,” he urged. Accepting expensive cars casts doubt on integrity, regardless of rationalization.

Dr. Asante insisted Ghana must draw clear lines for governance reform. “It may be uncomfortable, but that discomfort is necessary for real change,” he concluded.