President-elect, John Dramani Mahama has called on the Transition Team to prioritize transparency and accountability in its operations, as the incoming administration prepares to assume power amidst claims of controversial decisions by the outgoing government.
The call comes on the heels of allegations involving last-minute mass recruitments and the disbursement of GH₵240 million to a business partner of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). These actions, according to Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Transition Team, could burden the incoming administration financially and operationally.
Addressing concerns during a joint meeting on Wednesday, December 13, Mahama underscored the need for the Transition Team to critically evaluate the situation.
“There are a few signals that have been raised with respect to some contracts at the last minute that will commit the new government. I hope that the joint transition team will deal with it,” Mahama stated. “There are also last-minute mass recruitments into all the agencies that will also be a liability to the new government.”
However, Fatimatu Abubakar, spokesperson for the government’s transition team, dismissed the allegations, calling them misleading.
“I was so surprised when I heard those comments. I couldn’t believe my eyes,” Abubakar said. “I believe the goodwill and commitment shown by both President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and President-elect John Dramani Mahama demonstrate their mutual interest in ensuring a smooth transition.”
Abubakar further referenced historical precedent, noting that the appointment of key officials, including heads of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), during transition periods was not unusual.
“There’s no recruitment which is new after we lost the election,” she added. “I don’t understand why, after winning an election and seeking a smooth transition, we still want to throw dust, misinform, and cause panic. This only risks inciting violence and harming people.”
The NDC Transition Team, however, remains steadfast in its call for vigilance, urging the joint committee to address these concerns decisively to prevent potential challenges for the incoming government.
As the transition process continues, the spotlight remains on how both sides manage the handover, with many Ghanaians hoping for a peaceful and cooperative exchange of power that prioritizes national interest over partisanship.
