Outgoing President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has assured Ghanaians of his commitment to ensuring a smooth and seamless transition of power to President-elect John Dramani Mahama and the incoming National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.
The pledge was made during the inauguration of the 2024 National Transition Team on Wednesday, December 11, at the Jubilee House in Accra. The event marked a critical moment in Ghana’s democratic journey, with representatives from both the outgoing and incoming administrations formally initiating the transition process.
Commitment to Continuity and Collaboration
In his remarks, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the importance of continuity and collaboration in governance, emphasizing that a successful transition is not only a matter of protocol but a responsibility owed to the Ghanaian people.
“I assure him [John Dramani Mahama] of my full support and that of my government over the transitional process to make sure that his administration takes off in the best of conditions,” President Akufo-Addo stated.
He further underscored the necessity for both teams to work together effectively to ensure that the incoming administration is well-prepared to address pressing national issues.
President-elect Mahama’s Response
President-elect John Dramani Mahama, in his response, expressed gratitude to President Akufo-Addo for his cooperation and dedication to a peaceful transition. Mahama acknowledged the complexity of the challenges ahead, including economic difficulties and security concerns, and stressed the importance of national unity during the process.
“Mr. President has given me a brief on the security situation, both internal and external, and also a short brief on issues having to do with the economy. The transitional teams will drill down further into these matters, and we are going to work together in the interest of Ghana to ensure a seamless transition,” Mahama remarked.
The Role of the Transition Team
The 2024 National Transition Team, chaired by Hon. Julius Debrah for the incoming administration and Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Osei-Opare for the outgoing government, will oversee the transfer of power. Their responsibilities include ensuring continuity in governance, facilitating briefings on key national issues, and transferring official assets and documentation.
This collaborative approach underscores Ghana’s strong democratic tradition and sets the stage for the incoming administration to begin addressing national challenges effectively from day one.