Deputy Minister of Information, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has apologised to Frank Agyekum, ex-Deputy Minister of Information over accusations that he has state vehicle in his possession. Mr. Ablakwa at a press conference on Wednesday issued an ultimatum to ex-government officials whom he accused of illegally holding on to state vehicles. According to him, the cars were either undervalued or less than two years old. By convention, government appointees can only apply to purchase vehicles which are more than two years old. Mr. Ablakwa mentioned a tall list of ex-government officials who he accused of defaulting, referring to them as “criminals and gangsters,” and gave an ultimatum for them to return the vehicles. His reference to gangsterism was to rebut earlier comments by the opposition New Patriotic Party that President Mills was presiding over “state-sponsored gangsterism and criminality.” Few hours after the press conference, the affected officials who felt embarrassed by the ultimatum have threatened to sue government. Frank Agyekum said he returned his vehicle and was given a receipt for it as far back as February after his application to buy it had been turned down. This forced Mr. Ablakwa who apparently had crosschecked his facts after the press conference, to apologise to Mr. Agyekum. Maxwell Kwasi Jumah claimed he bought the vehicles after due contractual agreements was signed with government’s transition team and finds it nauseating for his name to be mentioned as part of the defaulters. He dismissed claims the vehicle was less than two years old, and threatened to sue government if attempts were made to seize his car. Fisheries Minister, Gladys Asmah is heading to court over the matter. She is appalled by the mention of her name as part of the “gangsters and criminals.” Aide to former vice-president Alhaji Aliu Mahama, Yaw Buabeng Asamoah said he returned his vehicle on 13th January, 2009 and finds it disturbing that his name should be mentioned. When Joy News’ Stephen Anti asked what he would do if security personnel came to seize his car which he said was given to him by his father on suspicion that it belonged to the state, his answer was; “I will shoot him.” These responses notwithstanding, the Deputy Minister of Information maintains his ultimatum still stands. He said some of the misunderstandings could have been avoided if Kwodwo Mpiani, former Chief of Staff had cooperated with the transition team. Mr. Mpiani has rebutted the claims, saying he released all necessary information on state vehicles to the transition team before his withdrawal from it. He found it preposterous that the Deputy Information Minister was looking at the year of production and valuing the vehicles. According to him, vehicles made in the same year could be valued differently depending on the mileage they covered. Listen to excerpts of the interviews in the attached audio. Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com