The President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and President-Elect John Dramani Mahama have jointly inaugurated the Transition Team in line with the Presidential Transition Act, 2012 (Act 845), today, Wednesday, December 11, 2024.
The ceremony that took place at the Accra International Conference Centre marked a significant step in ensuring an orderly and transparent transfer of power following the recently concluded presidential and parliamentary elections.
President Akufo-Addo opened the ceremony by emphasizing the importance of the Presidential Transition Act, describing it as a critical framework for democratic governance.
“This meeting and the processes we’re about to undertake are firmly grounded in the Presidential Act of 2012, ACT 845, which provides the legal framework for an orderly and transparent transition. We just ended presidential and parliamentary elections, and once again, we affirm the will of the Ghanaian people”.
President Akufo-Addo
Acknowledging the electoral outcome, the President extended heartfelt congratulations to President-Elect Mahama and Vice President-Elect Professor Nana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.
He praised Professor Opoku-Agyemang for her historic achievement as Ghana’s first female Vice President-Elect, highlighting the nation’s progress toward gender equality and inclusivity in governance.
President Akufo-Addo pledged the full cooperation of his administration to facilitate a seamless transition, emphasizing the role of the Transition Team in upholding democratic values.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the peaceful transition of power is a hallmark of mature democracies. Fortunately for us in Ghana, the foresight of the 5th parliament of the 4th republic has with the adoption of the Presidential Transition Act 2012, ACT 845, established for us a robust framework for managing transitions, safeguarding the gains of our democratic journey.
“Today, we reaffirm our collective resolve to adhere to the letter and spirit of this ACT and ensure that this transition proceeds seamlessly, transparently, and with dignity
President Akufo-Addo
President Akufo-Addo unveiled his administration’s team, which includes key officials such as Chief of Staff Frema Akosua Osei-Opare (Co-Chair), Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame, Minister for Presidential Affairs, Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, and Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam.
Others include the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Henry Quartey, the Minister for Defense, Hon. Dominic Nitiwul, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Shirley Ayorko Botchway, the Minister for Local Government, Hon. Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah, and the Minister for National Security, Hon. Albert Kan Dapaah.
The ex-officio members according to President Akufo-Addo include Dr Evans Aggrey Darko, Head of the Civil Service, the Head of the Local Government Service, Dr Nana Ato Arthur and Ambassador Mercy Deborah Karikari, Secretary to the Cabinet.
President Akufo-Addo also highlighted the advisory council’s composition, chaired by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, with Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye representing his side.
Reflecting on Ghana’s democratic journey, he urged the Transition Team to prioritize the nation’s interests, underscoring the significance of democratic principles amid regional threats.
This commitment according to President Akufo-Addo is especially critical in the current context of West Africa where the region faces threats from unconstitutional changes in government and the spread of terrorism and violent extremism.
He pointed out that Ghana stands out as a beacon of democracy and stability across the continent, showcasing the strength of its institutions and the majority of its people. President Akufo-Addo further underscored the imperative of continuing to consolidate this hard-earned reputation by adhering strictly to the provisions of the Transition Act.
“As we embark on this tradition, I urge all members of the team, both from the outgoing administration and the incoming one to uphold the spirit of collaboration, transparency, and mutual respect.
“The people of Ghana are counting on us to prioritize their interests above all else. Let us not lose sight of our shared goal of safeguarding the freedom, peace, progress, and stability of our beloved nation”.
President Akufo-Addo
President-Elect John Dramani Mahama’s Address
The President-Elect, John Dramani Mahama on the other hand, commended the electoral process and expressed gratitude for the smooth post-election period.
He lauded President Akufo-Addo for facilitating early discussions on critical national issues, including national security and the economy.
“Despite the belief of naysayers, I believe that Ghana will continue to get it right when it matters the most. Today we are here to inaugurate the joint Transitional Team as required by law and I wish to congratulate the members who have been selected or nominated to serve on this joint transitional team.
“There is huge expectation that this transitional team will get its work right so that we have a seamless and smooth transition of power from one democratically elected government to another.”
President-Elect John Dramani Mahama
Outlining his nominees for the Transition Team, President-Elect Mahama introduced Hon. Julius Debrah, (Co-Chairperson), Hon. Johnson Asiedu Nketia (Member), Hon. Fifi Fiavi Kwetey (Member), Dr Callistus Mahama (Member/Secretary to the Transition Team), and Dr. Valerie Sawyer (Member).
Others include Prof. Kwamena Ahwoi (Member), Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson (Member), Hon. Mahama Ayariga (Member), Hon. Goosie Tanoh (Member), and Dr. Edward Omane Boamah (Member).
President-Elect Mahama also mentioned the 3 ex-official members, which comprise of Hon. Prosper Biney, a former Chief of Staff and Minister of Interior under Mahama’s first tenure, Hon. Marietta Brew Appiah Oppong, former Attorney-General, and Hon. Nana Ato Dadzie, a UN consultant on transitions. He additionally mentioned his nomination of Rt. Hon. Edward Doe Adjaho to the advisory council.
President-Elect Mahama called for collaboration, transparency, and efficiency in the transition process. “We must ensure that this transition is seamless and reflects the will of the Ghanaian people as expressed on December 7, 2024. Let us be guided by the spirit of the Presidential Transition Act to achieve a smooth and peaceful transfer of power,” he urged.
Acknowledging Ghana’s economic challenges, he underscored the need for modesty in the transition’s financial commitments. “Even though President Akufo-Addo strikes an upbeat tone on recent economic numbers, the Transition Team must assess the reality comprehensively,” he noted.
President Mahama concluded with a call for unity and patriotism, saying “We may belong to different political parties, but we all belong to Ghana. Let the spirit of nationalism prevail as we navigate this crucial phase. The world is watching, and we must prove that Ghana remains the beacon of democracy in Africa.”
The inauguration of the Transition Team underscores Ghana’s commitment to democratic principles and orderly governance.
As both leaders highlighted, the process is a continuation of Ghana’s democratic journey, showcasing the strength of its institutions and the maturity of its citizens.
With the Transition Team’s mandate clearly defined under Act 845, Ghanaians can look forward to a seamless handover that prioritizes national interests.
As President Akufo-Addo aptly put it, “This transition is not an end but a continuation of Ghana’s democratic journey, serving as a model for our region and beyond”.
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