President-elect John Dramani Mahama is set to appoint his representatives to the Transition Team within the next 24 hours, as required by the Presidential (Transition) Act, 2012 (Act 845). This critical step ensures a smooth transfer of power following the declaration of the 2024 Presidential election results.
Under Section 1 of Act 845, both the outgoing President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and the President-elect must appoint representatives to the Transition Team within 24 hours of the results being declared.
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Composition of the Transition Team
Per Section 1(1)(a) of Act 845, President Akufo-Addo’s representatives must include the Chief of Staff, the Attorney-General, and Ministers responsible for Finance, Interior, Defence, Foreign Affairs, Local Government, and National Security. Similarly, under Section 1(1)(b), Mr. Mahama is required to appoint an equal number of representatives to oversee these key portfolios.
The team will also include other key officials such as the Heads of the Civil Service and Local Government Service, the Secretary to the Cabinet, and the National Security Coordinator.
Leadership of the Team
According to Section 1(2)(b) of Act 845, both President Akufo-Addo and President-elect Mahama have the option to chair their respective teams or delegate the responsibility to someone of their choosing.
Responsibilities of the Transition Team
The Transition Team is mandated to hold its first meeting within 48 hours of the declaration of results. Key responsibilities include:
- Arranging the smooth transfer of power from the outgoing administration to the incoming one.
- Providing daily national security briefings to the President-elect until he assumes office.
- Ensuring the prompt payment of salaries and benefits for Members of Parliament and Article 71 officeholders whose tenure has ended.
This process marks a significant step in ensuring stability and continuity as Mr. Mahama prepares to take office.