“It’s a No-No”: CDD’s Pumpuni Asante on Car Gift to President Mahama by

In the lead-up to Ghana’s 2016 elections, a controversy emerged that stirred national debate on ethics in governance — the revelation that President John Dramani Mahama had accepted a Ford Expedition SUV from Burkinabe contractor Djibril Kanazoe in 2012. This incident drew sharp criticism from civil society, particularly the Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), whose official, Dr. Franklin Oduro, called the acceptance of such a gift “a no-no.”

The Origins of the Controversy

The issue came to light following an investigative report by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni. According to the report, Kanazoe, who had secured government contracts in Ghana — including a €25.9 million road project and a $650,000 embassy wall construction in Ouagadougou — had gifted the vehicle to President Mahama while still actively involved in these projects. The optics, many believed, were troubling.

The government acknowledged receiving the gift but insisted it was added to the official fleet and had no bearing on contract awards. Despite this, many Ghanaians and civil society groups saw it as a breach of ethical standards, particularly in a country still grappling with issues of corruption and political patronage.

CDD-Ghana’s Firm Stand

Dr. Franklin Oduro of CDD-Ghana minced no words in his condemnation of the gift. “It’s a no-no,” he stated emphatically, arguing that accepting a personal gift from a contractor with ongoing dealings with the government presented a clear conflict of interest.

CDD-Ghana, along with other organizations, pointed to Article 284 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which prohibits public officials from placing themselves in positions where their private interests conflict with their public duties. The think tank warned that such conduct could erode public trust in the presidency and weaken the fight against corruption.

CHRAJ’s Investigation and Findings

Following public outcry, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) launched a formal investigation into the matter. CHRAJ concluded that while President Mahama did not act with corrupt intent, his acceptance of the gift breached Ghana’s gift policy for public officials.

According to CHRAJ, the president’s declaration of the gift and its incorporation into the official pool of state vehicles mitigated potential conflict. Nevertheless, they emphasized that such actions fell short of the high ethical standards expected of a sitting president.

Public Reaction and the Bigger Picture

Despite the CHRAJ’s nuanced findings, the damage to public perception had been done. Opposition leaders seized on the issue to question the government’s commitment to transparency. Many citizens viewed the episode as symptomatic of a broader problem — the normalization of ethically questionable behavior among political elites.

For governance experts like Dr. Oduro and Pumpuni Asante of CDD-Ghana, the lesson was clear: public office must come with higher ethical standards, and perceived improprieties should be avoided at all costs, regardless of intent.

Conclusion

The Ford Expedition saga may have concluded with a CHRAJ ruling, but its echoes continue to influence discourse on integrity in public service. It serves as a cautionary tale for all political leaders about the importance of transparency, accountability, and the need to avoid even the appearance of impropriety in the exercise of public power.

As Ghana continues to strengthen its democratic institutions, civil society's role in demanding ethical leadership remains crucial. As Dr. Oduro put it plainly: “It’s a no-no.”