The spokesperson for H.E John Dramani Mahama’s transition team, Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has raised serious concerns about irregularities observed during the first meeting of the transitional teams.
He pointed out last-minute recruitments and significant payments, describing them as partisan maneuvers and financial commitments made on the blind side of the incoming administration.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu began by outlining the structure of the transition process. He emphasized;
“The meeting itself was quite cordial. It was carried out in an atmosphere of mutual respect and cordiality. The tone was fixed by the president and the president-Elect when they inaugurated a committee and impressed upon us to work in the national interest and put partisanship aside.”
Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu Spokesperson for H.E John Dramani Mahama’s transition team
According to him, three subcommittees were inaugurated under the Transition Act 2012. These include; The Inauguration Subcommittee which is Responsible for planning events leading to the swearing-in on January 7, 2025. The Government Machinery Subcommittee is Charged with ensuring a smooth allocation of assets and liabilities. Whereas the Presidency Subcommittee is Mandated to coordinate the handover of assets and liabilities from the presidency, vice presidency, ministries, and agencies to the incoming government.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu criticized the sudden surge in recruitment across state agencies. He disclosed;
“It has come to our attention that in quite several state agencies, some last-minute recruitments are going on. These recruitments are being done in a manner that appears to have partisan collaboration. In other words, NPP supporters and members are being rammed through the system to gain employment just before they are passing this power.”
Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu Spokesperson for H.E John Dramani Mahama’s transition team
According to him, in the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), over 700 backdated appointment letters were issued without proper recruitment processes, including applications, interviews, or mandatory medical examinations.
He emphasized that with the Bank of Ghana, about 150 individuals receive appointment letters.
“Even if vacancies existed for all these people, why is it being done irregularly? Why is it being done outside of the law? That immediately gives you an indication that this is politically motivated.”
Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu Spokesperson for H.E John Dramani Mahama’s transition team
Beyond recruitment, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu pointed to questionable payments being made to entities whose roles remain unclear. He pointed out;
“For instance, you do know that the Electricity Company of Ghana is on the verge of paying about 124 million Ghana cedis to an entity called Hubtel. Given the large amounts of money involved, one would have thought that the government would be minded to raise this matter with the incoming government.
In 2016, Mr. Osafo-Maafo, who appeared to be the co-chairperson, insisted that all recruitments, payments, or transactions likely to have a significant fiscal impact on the incoming administration must be done only with the explicit consent of the incoming government.”
Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu Spokesperson for H.E John Dramani Mahama’s transition team
Impact on Incoming Government
According to Mr. Kwakye Ofosu, these actions not only do they affect the transition process but also the incoming government. He explained;
“While you employ people, what you are essentially doing is that, you are imposing personnel on an incoming administration at the last minute. Whether or not these appointments fit into the overall plan and strategy of the incoming government is another matter.
We want to caution those who are involved, especially those doing things that violate the rules and regulations of the organizations they are working in. They will be held to account once the new government takes over.”
Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu Spokesperson for H.E John Dramani Mahama’s transition team
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stressed the need for transparency and adherence to proper processes during the transition period.
“It must be done properly and regularly. And it must be done with the approval and consent of the incoming administration so that we know where we stand.”
Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu Spokesperson for H.E John Dramani Mahama’s transition team
He reiterated the urgency of revisiting the issues raised, revealing;
“Eventually, it was agreed that the matter will be revisited tomorrow when we will convene to hold our second meeting. A committee will be set up within the transition team to look at these matters and come up with proposals that are acceptable to both sides.”
Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu Spokesperson for H.E John Dramani Mahama’s transition team
Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu’s revelations highlight significant concerns about last-minute actions by the outgoing government, which could undermine the transition process.
The outcome of subsequent discussions within the transition team will be critical in ensuring a smooth and fair transition of power.
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