The Joint Transition Team, consisting of representatives from the outgoing administration of President Akufo-Addo and the incoming government of President-elect John Dramani Mahama, has been officially inaugurated in Accra.
The inauguration ceremony marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s democratic process, ensuring a smooth and peaceful transition of power between the two administrations. The team will oversee the handover of governance responsibilities and facilitate continuity in the country’s leadership.
Key Details:
- Composition of the Team: The team includes senior officials from both the current government and the incoming administration. Its primary role will be to ensure a seamless transition, addressing both administrative and policy continuity.
- Objectives: The team will focus on the smooth transfer of documents, assets, and other critical government functions. It will also work on coordinating the handover of key national programs and ensure that there are no disruptions in governance.
- Significance: This transition is a key part of Ghana’s democratic framework, which is recognized for ensuring peaceful and orderly transfers of power. The inauguration of the team reflects the commitment of both administrations to uphold Ghana’s democratic principles and ensure stability during the transition.
As both teams work together, the Joint Transition Team will be tasked with facilitating the handover in a manner that strengthens governance and maintains public confidence in the country’s political system.
Outgoing President Akufo-Addo emphasizes importance of transition act in address to joint transition team
In his address at the inauguration of the Joint Transition Team in Accra, Outgoing President Akufo-Addo reiterated the critical importance of adhering to the Transition Act to uphold Ghana’s democratic reputation.
President Akufo-Addo stressed that maintaining a smooth and orderly transition is vital to strengthening the country’s democratic processes and sending a clear message to the world about the resilience of Ghana’s democracy, even during challenging times.
Key Remarks by President Akufo-Addo:
- Commitment to Democratic Values: “It is imperative that we continue to consolidate this hard-earned reputation by adhering strictly to the provisions of the Transition Act. We send a powerful message to the world that democracy thrives in Ghana, even in challenging times,” he remarked.
- Collaboration and Mutual Respect: The outgoing president urged members of both the outgoing and incoming teams to work with transparency, collaboration, and mutual respect. He emphasized that these principles would be essential for ensuring a successful transition process and preserving national unity.
- Importance of the Transition Act: Akufo-Addo highlighted that the Transition Act serves as a legal framework to ensure the orderly transfer of power, reinforcing Ghana’s commitment to upholding democratic norms and governance.
The president’s remarks underscored the commitment of both his administration and the incoming government of President-elect John Dramani Mahama to maintain the stability of the country’s political system. The emphasis on transparency and mutual respect reflects Ghana’s continued dedication to democratic values, setting an example for the region and beyond.
Both teams are now tasked with ensuring that the transition process is carried out in the spirit of cooperation, paving the way for a smooth transfer of power in line with Ghana’s democratic traditions.
Akufo-Addo Urges Collaboration and Transparency in Joint Transition Process
In his address at the inauguration of the Joint Transition Team, Outgoing President Akufo-Addo called on all members of the team, from both the outgoing administration and the incoming government of President-elect John Dramani Mahama, to approach the transition process with a spirit of collaboration, transparency, and mutual respect.
“As we embark on this transitional process, I urge all members of the team, both from the outgoing administration and the incoming, to approach this task with a spirit of collaboration, transparency, and mutual respect,” President Akufo-Addo stated, emphasizing the importance of working together to ensure a smooth transfer of power.
The Joint Transition Team will be responsible for overseeing the handover of government operations, ensuring that critical national projects and policies continue without disruption during the change in administration. This includes making sure that the transition does not affect ongoing development programs, government functions, or services to the public.
President-elect Mahama’s Response
President-elect John Dramani Mahama, acknowledging the importance of a smooth transition, expressed his gratitude to President Akufo-Addo for the briefing on key national security and economic issues. Mahama recognized the significance of the transition process and affirmed his commitment to ensuring that the incoming administration will be fully prepared to address national priorities.
Mahama’s appreciation for the briefing underscored the collaborative spirit that both sides intend to foster during the transition period. The focus will be on ensuring that both the outgoing and incoming administrations work in tandem to guarantee the continuity of governance and national stability.
The Joint Transition Team is set to play a pivotal role in maintaining this cooperation, ensuring that the transfer of power is conducted efficiently, with due consideration for Ghana’s democratic principles and the well-being of its citizens.
Mahama Highlights Importance of Presidential Transition Act as Joint Transition Team is Inaugurated
At the inauguration of the Joint Transition Team, President-elect John Dramani Mahama underscored the significance of the Presidential Transition Act in ensuring a smooth and orderly transition of power. He emphasized that cooperation between the outgoing and incoming administrations is essential for the continued stability and progress of the nation.
The ceremony reaffirmed Ghana’s position as a beacon of democracy in Africa, demonstrating the country’s capacity to handle political transitions with efficiency and order, even amidst the challenges that often accompany such changes.
John Mahama’s Appointments to the Joint Transition Team
President-elect Mahama also announced his appointees to the Joint Transition Team, which will oversee the smooth handover of power. The following individuals have been appointed as members:
- Hon. Julius Debrah – Co-Chairperson
- Hon. Johnson Asiedu Nketia – Member
- Hon. Fifi Fiavi Kwetey – Member
- Dr. Callistus Mahama – Member/Secretary to the Transition Team
- Dr. Valerie Sawyer – Member
- Prof. Kwamena Ahwoi – Member
- Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson – Member
- Hon. Mahama Ayariga – Member
- Hon. Goosie Tanoh – Member
- Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Member
In addition to these appointments, President-elect Mahama has nominated Edward Doe Adjaho as a member of the Transitional Advisory Council, a body that will provide guidance and strategic advice throughout the process.
Significance of the Transition Process
The formation of the Joint Transition Team and the announcement of Mahama’s key appointments signal the readiness of both the outgoing and incoming administrations to work collaboratively in the best interest of the nation. This transition marks another moment in Ghana’s democratic history where power will be transferred peacefully and in line with established legal and institutional frameworks.
By emphasizing cooperation, transparency, and mutual respect, both President Akufo-Addo and President-elect Mahama have reinforced Ghana’s commitment to democratic governance, making the country a model for peaceful transitions in Africa.
Akufo-Addo’s Members of the Transition Team Announced
As part of the Joint Transition Team inaugurated in Accra, President Akufo-Addo has appointed key officials to represent his administration in overseeing the smooth transition of power to the incoming government of President-elect John Dramani Mahama.
The appointed members from President Akufo-Addo’s team are as follows:
- Head of the Presidential Staff (Chief of Staff) – Hon. Akosua Frema Osei-Opare
- Attorney-General – Godfred Yeboah Dame
- Minister for Presidential Affairs – Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu
- Minister for Finance – Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam
- Minister for the Interior – Hon. Henry Quartey
- Minister for Defence – Hon. Dominic Nitiwul
- Minister for Foreign Affairs – Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey
- Minister for Local Government – Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah
- Minister for National Security – Hon. Albert Kan Dapaah
In line with Section 1 (2) of the Presidential Transition Act, the following individuals will also be part of the team:
- Head of Civil Service – Dr. Evans Aggrey-Darkoh
- Head of the Local Government Service – Dr. Nana Ato Arthur
- Secretary to the Cabinet – Ambassador Mercy Debrah-Karikari
- National Security Coordinator – Mr. Edward Asomani
These appointments reflect President Akufo-Addo’s commitment to ensuring that the transition process is handled with the utmost professionalism, ensuring continuity and stability in governance as the country prepares for the change in leadership. The transition team will work closely with the incoming administration to maintain a smooth handover of responsibilities and continue critical national projects.
