Mahama should’ve flatly rejected the two-car gift – CDD-Ghana

Dr. Kojo Pumpuni Asante is the Director of Policy Engagements and Partnerships at CDD-Ghana. He believes President John Dramani Mahama should have rejected two luxury car gifts.

He stated that high-profile gifts should not be accepted or donated to the state. The president has significant power, which can lead to conflicts of interest. These situations cannot easily be resolved.

Speaking on PM Express on Joy News, Dr. Asante said, “You don’t accept and then donate; you reject.” He emphasized that we must discourage influential individuals from giving such gifts to the president.

Dr. Asante questioned how one could determine if the president is influenced by these gifts. He argued that it’s impossible to make that determination reliably.

He suggested avoiding these scenarios entirely to prevent potential conflicts of interest. Changing these behaviors is challenging but necessary for progress.

Dr. Asante noted there are best practices worldwide regarding gift acceptance. To improve accountability and integrity, accepting valuable gifts must be avoided.

He stressed that the process of gift-giving needs serious attention. Accepting high-value items as president carries significant implications, regardless of declarations.

Dr. Asante urged a change in how we view power and public office. Accepting expensive cars casts doubt on integrity, even with rationalization.

His comments followed President Mahama's announcement about receiving two vehicles as gifts, which he later donated to the state during a new Code of Conduct launch for appointees.