Joint Presidential Transition Team to be inaugurated

The inauguration of a Joint Presidential Transition Team has been scheduled for on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 marking the beginning of a key process in Ghana’s governance transition.
“We agreed on an early inauguration of a joint transitional team as early as Wednesday the 11th of December,” President-elect John Dramani Mahama announced in his victory speech shortly after being declared the winner of the Presidential Election with 56.55% of the valid votes cast.
Mr. Mahama revealed that he had received a congratulatory call from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The two leaders discussed matters related to the joint transitional team.
“I conveyed my sincerest regards to him and expressed my readiness for us to work together to ensure a smooth transition in the best interest of the Ghanaian people,” the president-elect stated.

11-member NDC transitional team
President-Elect Mahama has appointed 11 members to constitute his transitional team.
The team will work closely with representatives of the out-going government with a view to ensuring a smooth transfer of political power to the incoming administration.
The Transition Team is composed of experienced individuals drawn from various sectors, including finance, governance, and public administration.
They are Julius Debrah – Co-Chairperson, Johnson Asiedu Nketia – Member, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey – Member, Dr. Callistus Mahama– Member/Secretary to the Transition Team, Dr. Valerie Sawyer – Member, Prof. Kwamena Ahwoi – Member, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson – Member, Mahama Ayariga – Member, Goosie Tanoh – Member, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Member and Edward Doe Adjaho as a member of the transitional Advisory Council.

Purpose of the transition team
The Joint Presidential Transition Team is a critical institution established under the Presidential (Transition) Act, 2012 (Act 845) to ensure the smooth and orderly transfer of executive power during a change in administration.
Its primary role is to facilitate the seamless transition of governance responsibilities, ensuring stability and continuity in national administration.

Coordination of transition activities
A central function of the team is coordinating all transition-related activities, including overseeing the preparation and submission of handover notes by all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
These documents detail the outgoing administration’s operations, achievements, challenges, and ongoing projects and are submitted to the Administrator-General, a neutral public officer.

Ensuring governance continuity
The team also ensures that critical state functions remain uninterrupted during the transition period, preventing any governance gaps.
Outgoing officials brief the incoming administration on vital national matters such as the state of the economy and security to enable informed decision-making.

Guidance on appointments and logistical arrangements
The team provides guidance on appointing new government officials to ensure compliance with constitutional and legal requirements.
It also organizes logistical arrangements for the swearing-in of the new president and related inaugural ceremonies.

Conflict resolution during transitions
In case of disputes or uncertainties, the team employs mechanisms outlined in the Transition Act to resolve issues constructively, maintaining peace and collaboration throughout the process.

Composition of the transition team
The team comprises representatives from both the outgoing and incoming administrations, including Chiefs of Staff, senior government officials, public service representatives, and security agency members.
The Administrator-General ensures neutrality and oversees a balanced handover process.

Significance of the transition team
The Joint Presidential Transition Team plays a vital role in promoting stability by facilitating peaceful power transfers.
It prevents governance lapses and fosters trust through transparency and collaboration.
This institutional framework has reinforced Ghana’s reputation for peaceful political transitions, serving as a model for democracies across Africa.