Minister of State for Special Initiatives, Dr Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, has said he uses his personal car for official duties and covers all fuel costs himself. He made the revelation during an interview on The Pulse with Elton Brobbey on JoyNews, where he confirmed he has not been assigned a government vehicle since taking office.
“As I’m sitting here, I don’t even have an official car, I am driving my own car and I fuel it myself,” Dr Pelpuo said.
The minister explained that government vehicles assigned to public officials often come with certain services and allowances. However, he said he has not received any such allocation or support since joining the government.
“When the President assigns you, it comes with some services, but since I came I haven’t…” he added.
Dr Pelpuo’s comments come amid ongoing public conversations in Ghana about the use of official vehicles, fuel allowances, and other benefits tied to political and public offices. His account offers a clear picture of his current situation regarding transportation for his ministerial duties.
The use of personal vehicles by ministers is not a common public topic, but Dr Pelpuo’s frank admission has stirred interest, especially as officials typically receive government cars and related allowances. The absence of these perks in his case raises questions about how such resources are allocated within government circles.
While Dr Pelpuo did not specify the reasons behind the lack of an official vehicle or fuel allowance, his statement confirms that he personally shoulders the cost and responsibility of travel for his work.
This disclosure stands out against the background of wider scrutiny over government spending and the perks attached to public office. It also highlights a different side of ministerial life that is less often discussed—the financial and logistical challenges some ministers face.
The interview did not reveal when or if Dr Pelpuo might be assigned an official vehicle in the future. For now, he continues to use his own car without government support for fuel or maintenance, a detail that contrasts with the expectations many hold about the resources available to ministers in Ghana.
According to Joy Online.
