Sam George demands retraction and apology over “gifted lexus” allegation

Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, is demanding for a retraction and public apology from New Patriotic Party (NPP) activist P.K. Sarpong over claims that he received a luxury Lexus vehicle as a gift.

President Mahama’s Code of Conduct, introduced earlier this month, mandates that any gift received by a government appointee exceeding GH₵20,000 in value must be formally declared.

In a Facebook post, Mr. Sarpong alleged that Mr. George was using an unregistered “top-of-the-range Lexus” vehicle, which he claimed had been gifted by an undisclosed individual.

He further suggested that the acquisition breached the President’s directive, which discourages public officials from accepting high-value gifts that could compromise their integrity or create a conflict of interest.

Responding through his legal representatives, Korsah & Ackah @ Law, Mr. George strongly denied the claims, describing them as “false, defamatory, and injurious.”

In a cease-and-desist letter dated Tuesday, May 20, the lawyers demanded that Sarpong immediately delete the post, issue a public retraction, and render an unqualified apology within seven days or face legal action.

Mr. George clarified that the vehicle in question — a 2024 Lexus LX600 — was lawfully acquired through a car loan facility available to Members of Parliament and government officials via the National Investment Bank.

He emphasized that the purchase was transparent and in full compliance with applicable laws.

Reiterating his stance in a post on social media platform X, Mr. George wrote, “To Mr. P.K. Sarpong, I have decided to let the world see how dishonest and untruthful you are. I am a serving Member of Parliament of Ghana who is entitled to a car loan. How are vehicle I purchased under that scheme becomes a gift from a businessman can only be a vile, evil and dishonest claim. As a public officer, I am committed to full disclosure and transparency. Apologise or prepare to face the consequences before the law.”