President Akufo-Addo presenting documents to John Dramani Mahama during the inauguration ceremony at the Accra International Conference Centre. Pix by Gifty Ama Lawson
President Nana Akufo-Addo has assured President-elect John Dramani Mahama of his unwavering support to ensure a smooth and peaceful transition of power. According to him, this is essential to maintain a unified approach to governance.
President Akufo-Addo made this statement when Mr. Mahama paid a courtesy call on him at the Jubilee House yesterday.
The meeting was part of the processes to kick-start a successful transfer of power ahead of Mr. Mahama’s swearing-in on January 7, 2025.
Mr. Mahama emerged victorious in the December 7 presidential polls held last Saturday.
“The Presidential Transition Act requires that within 24 hours of the election results, a joint transition team should be established to begin the process of a smooth transfer of authority,” President Akufo-Addo explained. “On that basis, I invited His Excellency John Dramani Mahama to meet here so we can begin the process.”
The meeting marked the beginning of the transition period, which is crucial for the country’s political stability and democratic progress.
The President-elect was accompanied by Vice President-elect, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, along with key members of his team, including Johnson Asiedu Nketia, Julius Debrah, Dr. Valerie Sawyer, Dr. Callistus Mahama, Alex Segbefia, and Joyce Bawah Mogtari, among others.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, President Akufo-Addo expressed satisfaction with the discussions, describing them as both cordial and constructive.
He congratulated President-elect Mahama on his victory and commended the election of Professor Opoku-Agyemang as a historic milestone in Ghana’s democratic journey.
President Akufo-Addo assured of his full support throughout the transition process, pledging that his government would ensure the incoming administration begins with the best possible conditions.
“It’s in the interest of all of us as Ghanaians that the transition is seamless and that Ghana continues to function as an effective, democratic state,” he said.
The outgoing President also expressed gratitude to the President-elect for his intervention in addressing incidents of lawlessness that followed the announcement of the election results.
On his part, President-elect Mahama thanked President Akufo-Addo for his congratulatory call after the election results were declared.
He acknowledged the significance of the transitional process, noting that while the joint teams would delve into key areas such as security and economic matters, the initial meeting had already provided valuable briefings.
Mr. Mahama expressed optimism about continued collaboration between the two leaders beyond the transition, aiming to further strengthen Ghana’s democratic credentials.
“We are happy to work together and look forward to the successful work of the joint transition team,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of maintaining open communication channels to foster national unity.
Later that day, the joint transition team was formally inaugurated at the Accra International Conference Centre.
The incumbent government’s team is led by Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, who serves as Co-Chairperson.
Other members include Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame; Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu; Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam; Minister for the Interior, Henry Quartey; Minister for Defense, Dominic Nitiwul; Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey; Minister for Local Government, Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, and Minister for National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah.
Additional members include Dr. Evans Aggrey-Darkoh (Head of the Civil Service); Dr. Nana Ato Arthur (Head of the Local Government Service); Ambassador Mercy Debrah-Karikari (Secretary to the Cabinet), and Mr. Edward Asomani (National Security Coordinator).
President Akufo-Addo has also appointed former Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, to the Advisory Council, which will be chaired by the current Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin.
The incoming administration’s team is led by Julius Debrah as Co-Chairperson. Other members include Johnson Asiedu Nketia, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, Dr. Callistus Mahama, Dr. Valerie Sawyer, Prof. Kwamena Ahwoi, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Mahama Ayariga, Goosie Tanoh, and Dr. Edward Omane Boamah.
By Charles Takyi-Boadu, Presidential Correspondent
