Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has issued a formal legal demand for a retraction and public apology from a political commentator who alleged the minister improperly received a luxury vehicle as a gift, potentially violating newly enacted government ethics rules.
The allegations were made by P.K. Sarpong, a known supporter of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), who in a recent Facebook post accused Mr. George of using an “unregistered” 2024 Lexus LX600, which he described as a “top-of-the-range” vehicle allegedly gifted to the minister. Sarpong suggested that the vehicle’s acceptance contravened President John Dramani Mahama’s recently announced Code of Conduct for government appointees, which restricts the receipt of high-value gifts to prevent conflicts of interest.
In response, Mr. George, through his legal counsel at Korsah & Ackah @ Law, denied the claims, calling them “false, defamatory and injurious.” A cease-and-desist letter dated Tuesday demanded that Mr. Sarpong remove the post, issue a retraction, and offer an unconditional public apology within seven days. The minister warned that failure to comply would result in legal proceedings, including a defamation suit.
“You are fully aware that your publication is devoid of truth,” the letter stated. “Nonetheless, you have proceeded to make this misinformation public, with the apparent intention of tarnishing the hard-earned reputation of our client.”
Mr. George clarified that the Lexus was neither gifted nor unregistered, but rather personally acquired through a loan facility from the state-owned National Investment Bank, under a financing scheme available to Members of Parliament and government officials. He said the transaction was both legal and transparent.
The controversy arises in the wake of President Mahama’s introduction of a Code of Conduct for public officeholders earlier this month, which mandates the disclosure of any gift valued at more than 20,000 Ghanaian cedis (approximately $1,650 USD). The policy is part of a broader campaign to bolster ethics and transparency in government.
Source:TheDotNews