A Joint Transition Team to oversee a smooth transfer of power from President Akufo-Addo led administration to the President-Elect John Dramani Mahama was on Wednesday inaugurated at the Jubilee House.
Ahead of the official engagement, the two leaders had a brief and cordial interaction, during which President Akufo-Addo assured Mr Mahama of his full support for the transition process. The meeting centered on the inauguration of a joint transition team to oversee a smooth transfer of power following Mr Mahama’s electoral victory.
Reason
The President explained that one of the reasons for meeting him earlier than scheduled was to assure him of his full support and that of his government over the transitional process to make sure that this administration takes off in the best of conditions.
The atmosphere was notably warm and cooperative, a marked departure from the heated exchanges during the campaign season.
Journalists
Speaking to journalists, President Akufo-Addo stressed his longstanding relationship with Mr Mahama and acknowledged the latter’s familiarity with the presidency.
Response
The President-elect John Mahama in his response, further expressed his optimism about the transition process and the potential for continued collaboration.
Background
On Tuesday, Mr Mahama announced a 10-member transition team tasked with ensuring the smooth transfer of power from the outgoing administration.
Former Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has been named as co-chair of his team.
Subsequently, President Akufo-Addo also appointed some persons to constitute the government side of the transition team.Former Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, has been appointed to the Advisory Council, with the current Speaker,Alban Bagbin, as Chairperson.
The Law
Section 1 (1) of the Presidential Transition ACT 845 of 2012, stipulates the following:
1 . (1) Within twenty-four hours after the declaration of the results of the presidential election in accordance with article 63 of the Constitution,
(a) the incumbent President shall appoint
(i) the head of the presidential staff appointed under the Presidential Office Act, 1993 (Act 463),
(ii) the Attorney-General, and
(iii) the Ministers responsible for Presidential Affairs, Finance, the Interior, Defence, Foreign Affairs, Local Government and National Security, and
(b) the person elected as President shall appoint an equal number of persons as appointed under paragraph (a) to constitute a Transition Team that shall include the Head of the Civil Service, the Head of the Local Government Service, the Secretary to the Cabinet and the National Security Co-ordinator.
