The People’s National Party (PNP) has criticised President John Dramani Mahama over his decision to accept car gifts, even though he later declared and donated them to the state.
According to the party’s National Chairperson and founder, Janet Nabla, the president should not have accepted the vehicles in the first place.
President Mahama handed over two vehicles that were gifted to him to the state’s vehicle pool. He made the declaration on Monday, May 5, 2025, in line with his newly unveiled Code of Conduct for government appointees.
However, Madam Nabla has condemned the president’s actions, arguing that this constitutes a breach of existing laws on gifts.
She pointed out that the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has clear guidelines on the acceptance of gifts, which she claims the president has violated and should be sanctioned for.
According to her, the vehicles in question fall under the category of prohibited gifts outlined in the CHRAJ policy and should be considered as bribery.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 97.5 FM, the PNP leader stated that if the president wants to set a good example, he must face consequences for his actions, which would serve as a deterrent to others.
She told the host, Kwabena Agyapong, that the president has performed poorly in his first 120 days in office, giving him a score of minus two out of ten.
She also dismissed the newly launched Code of Conduct as a political maneuver.
“Is Mahama really talking about a Code of Conduct? CHRAJ guidelines clearly prohibit public officers from accepting gifts. If someone wants to donate anything, it should be done in the name of the state, not an individual. Accepting such gifts is a crime,” she said.
“President Mahama has admitted to accepting two vehicles as gifts, which amounts to bribery. He must be punished for violating the law.”
“President Mahama is a rule-breaker. He has breached the law. Gifts are never truly free; they can influence decisions and undermine transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership. We must hold the president accountable before expecting others to uphold the law.”