At President Akufo-Addo’s invitation, President-elect John Mahama paid a visit to the Jubilee House today, Wednesday, December 11.
The main focus of the discussion was the establishment of a joint transitional committee to supervise a seamless handover of power after Mr. Mahama’s election victory.
President Akufo-Addo told Mr. Mahama that he will fully assist the transition process during their quick and friendly encounter prior to the formal meeting.
One of the reasons for the earlier-than-planned meeting, the President added, was “to assure him of my full support and that of my government over the transitional process to make sure that this administration takes off in the best of conditions.”
“It is in the interest of all of us as Ghanaians that I brought him here.”
In contrast to the tense interactions throughout the campaign season, the environment was noticeably cordial and helpful.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized his longstanding friendship with Mr. Mahama and acknowledged his acquaintance with the presidency in remarks to reporters.
“He’s familiar with this place. He was here before I came. He’s back here again. He knows exactly what is entailed,” President Akufo-Addo stated emphatically.
John Mahama, the president-elect, sat next to him and gave a similar response, considering their meeting and the guarantees they had been given.
“When I spoke after the declaration of results, I mentioned that His Excellency, the President, had given me a call to congratulate me, and so I had the opportunity to thank him this morning for being that gracious to give me that call.”
“We had a very cordial meeting. At the time he called, he suggested 11 am this morning to have the preliminary meeting towards setting up the transitional team. And that meeting has just ended, it was very cordial, and I think we were very happy to be together,” Mr Mahama said.
He went on to say that he was hopeful about the transition process and the possibility of ongoing cooperation.
“I’m happy at the assurance he has given us that we’re going to work together in the interest of Ghana to ensure a seamless transition, and I believe that even after that transition, it will be necessary for us to continue to keep a channel of communication so that Ghana’s democratic credentials are consolidated and we all work together in the national interest,” Mr Mahama continued.
Background:
Mr. Mahama appointed a 10-member transition committee to supervise the seamless handover of power from the departing administration following his announcement as the victor of the just concluded general elections in 2024.
Julius Debrah, the former chief of staff, has been appointed as a co-chair of his team.
Later, President Akufo-Addo also named a few individuals to make up the government’s portion of the transition team.
The individuals were appointed in compliance with Section 1 (1) of the Presidential (Transition) Act, 2012 (Act 845) (the “Act”), according to a statement released on Tuesday, December 10.
Source: newsthemegh.com