By Gloria Anderson
The work of Ghana’s transition teams has been described as smooth and progressing according to plan, as both the outgoing and incoming administrations pledge to act in the best interest of the nation.
Speaking in an interview, the Spokesperson for the Government Transition Team and Minister of Information, Mrs Fatimatu Abubakar, affirmed her team’s readiness to ensure a seamless handover of power on January 7, 2025.
Mrs Abubakar expressed concerns about the communication style adopted by the incoming government, emphasising the need for both teams to establish clear communication protocols to prevent confusion. She clarified issues surrounding allegations of last-minute recruitments and financial authorisations, refuting claims of impropriety.
“There is no law or provision in the Transition Act prohibiting government from recruiting or making payments during this period. Moreover, no agreement exists between the outgoing and incoming teams on such matters. The Ministry of Finance has not issued any financial clearance or new commencement warrants to MDAs since the election,” Mrs Abubakar stated.
She further explained that both sides have held two meetings at the Accra International Conference Centre, forming nine subcommittees to oversee the transition across various sectors, including the economy, security, and government machinery. These subcommittees are tasked with reviewing handover notes and engaging sector ministers and officials to ensure continuity.
Mrs Abubakar highlighted ongoing initiatives, such as tax waivers under the “One District, One Factory” (1D1F) policy, which she described as critical to Ghana’s industrialisation and job creation agenda. “This policy is not a last-minute activity. Projects such as the Ekumfi Juice Factory and the rice milling factory at Akontonbra are evidence of this administration’s commitment to development,” she noted.
She also addressed security sector recruitments, stating that financial clearance had been granted earlier in the year, with recruitment processes already underway. “These recruitments were scheduled long before the election and are public knowledge,” she added.
Mrs Abubakar commended the cooperation between the outgoing Chief of Staff and the incoming Chief of Staff, describing their leadership as instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition. However, she criticized recent statements by the spokesperson for the incoming team, Mr Felix Kwakye Fosu, which she claimed misrepresented facts and created unnecessary public tension.
Mrs Abubakar reiterated the outgoing government’s commitment to democracy and peaceful governance, stating, “Ghana has consistently proven its ability to manage transitions peacefully, setting a remarkable example for Africa.”
As preparations continue for the January 7 handover, both teams remain focused on facilitating a seamless transfer of power, with the overarching aim of advancing Ghana’s development agenda.
