Mahama should have rejected vehicle gifts outright – CDD’s Kojo Asante

Dr. Kojo Pumpuni Asante is the Director of Policy Engagements and Partnerships at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana). He criticized President John Mahama for accepting two vehicles as gifts. He later donated these vehicles, which he called inappropriate.

Speaking on PM Express on Joy News, Dr. Asante said the President should have rejected the gifts outright. Accepting and then donating them could compromise the integrity of the presidency.

He warned that such actions might set a troubling precedent. “You don’t accept and then donate; you reject,” he stated. High-value gifts should not be accepted from influential private individuals.

Dr. Asante emphasized that the President holds too much power to avoid conflicts of interest. His comments followed President Mahama’s launch of a new Code of Conduct for public appointees. During this event, Mahama revealed he received two vehicles from private individuals.

Dr. Asante questioned why the President accepted these gifts at all. He noted that accepting high-value items carries significant implications, regardless of what happens next.

“How can we determine if the President is influenced?” he asked. “The best way forward is to avoid it entirely.”

He also expressed concern about a proposed ¢20,000 threshold for declaring gifts under the new Code of Conduct. This threshold could lead to ambiguity and potential abuse.

“For me, that threshold needs serious attention,” he said. Accepting high-value items as President has implications, whether declared or not.

Dr. Asante argued that real reforms require more than symbolic gestures. He urged a cultural shift in how power and public office are perceived in Ghana.

“If you’re the President and someone gives you two expensive cars, it casts a shadow,” he explained.

He concluded by stressing that Ghana must define ethical boundaries in governance more clearly. “It may be uncomfortable, but discomfort is necessary for real change.”