Mahama Transition Team Expresses Concerns Over Last-Minute Hires and Payments

Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the spokesperson for the Transition Team of President-elect John Dramani Mahama, has voiced concerns following the team’s first day of work. He highlighted several pressing issues, most notably last-minute recruitments in public institutions and substantial payments being made in the final days of the current administration, which he believes could have significant fiscal consequences for the incoming government.

During a press conference on December 12, 2024, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu expressed his concerns over actions taken by the outgoing administration that could undermine the financial stability of the next government. He pointed out that these last-minute actions, particularly in terms of recruitments and payments, raised questions about the fiscal responsibility of the current government and its commitment to smooth and transparent governance. He noted that such actions, if left unchecked, would burden the new administration with unnecessary financial pressures.

One of the most concerning issues raised by the Transition Team was a GH₵240 million payment that had been made to an entity connected with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). Mr. Kwakye Ofosu criticized the timing and scale of this payment, urging that it be immediately suspended until further scrutiny could be carried out. He noted that if the payment were directed to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to secure the nation’s power supply, it might be more justifiable, but instead, it was going to an entity whose role he believed was not as critical to the country’s immediate needs.

“We have gathered information and seen documents indicating that over GH₵240 million was being paid to a company said to have engaged in business with ECG. If this payment were directed to IPPs to maintain electricity supply, it might be understandable. However, it is being paid to an entity whose role is not as crucial as that of IPPs,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu explained. He further emphasized that it is crucial for the incoming government to have the opportunity to assess and make these kinds of critical financial decisions. “Good governance requires that the incoming administration be given the chance to make these decisions,” he added.

The Transition Team also raised alarms over the ongoing recruitment processes in various ministries, departments, and agencies in the final days of the current administration. Mr. Kwakye Ofosu warned that these last-minute recruitments could have severe fiscal implications for the next government. He explained that such actions, if left unchecked, would place undue financial strain on the incoming administration at a time when the country is already facing economic challenges.

“We strongly objected to these maneuvers and demanded that they be put on hold. The government side agreed to this, and we will persist in our insistence that this sets a dangerous precedent,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stated. The spokesperson further underscored the need for wider consultations to address these concerns and emphasized the responsibility of the new government to protect the public purse.

He pointed out that these issues were especially troubling given the current state of the nation’s economy, which is already under significant strain. “The next government must ensure that all financial decisions are made responsibly and with transparency,” he stated. The spokesperson stressed that the incoming administration would need to address these challenges carefully, considering both the economic impact and the potential damage to public trust.

As the Transition Team continues its work, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu emphasized that the team would remain vigilant and ensure that the transition process is conducted in a way that safeguards the country’s resources. He reassured the public that the new government is committed to responsible governance and financial management.

The concerns raised by the Transition Team have sparked broader conversations about the need for transparency, accountability, and careful financial planning in the final days of the current administration. As the country prepares for the leadership transition, it remains crucial that both the outgoing and incoming governments cooperate to ensure that the nation’s resources are managed responsibly and that any actions taken during the transition do not jeopardize the economic stability of Ghana.

The Transition Team’s spokesperson called for swift action to address these issues and prevent any further financial mismanagement. He reiterated that the next government must be given the space to make critical decisions and protect the public purse, particularly in light of the country’s current economic challenges.