Ghana passes law 'to evict ministers' Published duration 27 October 2016

image copyright AFP image caption Ghana has had problems with officials not handing back state-owned cars and houses

Outgoing ministers in Ghana could be forcibly evicted from their official residences if they fail to move out in time, under new laws.

Ministers and other government officials are being given a three-month deadline to hand over state-owned homes and vehicles, from the date of the new president's inauguration.

The law targets presidential appointees who try to cling on to the perks of office after a new leader is elected.

Ghana goes to the polls on 7 December.

After previous transfers of power, some officials have had to be forcibly evicted and had their state-owned vehicles seized after failing to hand them back.

The law does not apply to presidents and vice-presidents as we earlier reported.

The bill, which was passed by MPs on Wednesday evening, will now go to the president to sign into law.

Existing legislation requires officials to hand back government property after they leave office, but this is the first time a strict time limit has been applied.

image copyright AFP image caption The main opponent for President John Mahama (L) on 7 December will be Nana Akufo-Addo (R)

Ghana's current leader John Mahama is standing for re-election and his main opponent is Nana Akufo-Addo. The winner will be inaugurated on 7 January 2017.

Ghana's presidential candidates:

John Dramani Mahama , incumbent - National Democratic Congress

, incumbent - National Democratic Congress Nana Akufo-Addo - New Patriotic Party

- New Patriotic Party Ivor Kobina Greenstreet - Convention People's Party

- Convention People's Party Jacob Osei Yeboah - independent candidate

- independent candidate Presidential terms in Ghana last for four years and there is a two-term limit.

Related Topics Ghana