The call for a seamless transition of power and the return of state assets by political appointees of the former Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administration has been amplified by Collins Adomako-Mensah, the Member of Parliament for Afigya Kwabre North. He urged former government officials to proactively vacate their positions and return all state-owned properties, including official vehicles, to avoid unnecessary public spectacle and potential damage to the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) image. Adomako-Mensah emphasized the need for a smooth and dignified transition, recognizing the change in administration and the importance of adhering to established protocols. His call for compliance reflects a broader concern within the NPP for maintaining public trust and facilitating the party’s rebuilding efforts in anticipation of future elections.
Adomako-Mensah’s appeal, disseminated through a Facebook post on January 15, 2025, directly addressed political appointees, reminding them of their transient roles within government. He questioned their reluctance to relinquish their positions, urging them to recognize the end of their tenure and initiate the transition process without prompting or coercion. The MP stressed the urgency of returning state-owned vehicles, referencing a directive issued by former President Akufo-Addo prior to leaving office. This directive, mandating the return of all government assets by January 3, 2025, aimed to ensure transparency and accountability during the transition period. Adomako-Mensah’s emphasis on compliance with this directive underscored the importance of respecting established procedures and upholding the rule of law.
The MP’s message carried a sense of urgency, highlighting the potential repercussions of non-compliance for both the individual appointees and the NPP as a whole. He warned that clinging to positions of power and retaining state assets could generate negative publicity, detract from the party’s efforts to rebuild and reorganize, and ultimately tarnish the legacy of the Akufo-Addo administration. By proactively vacating their roles and returning state assets, former appointees could demonstrate respect for the democratic process and contribute to a peaceful and orderly transition of power. This, in turn, would allow the NPP to focus on its internal restructuring and prepare for future electoral contests.
The context of Adomako-Mensah’s appeal lies in the broader political landscape of Ghana, where transitions of power have sometimes been fraught with tension and accusations of impropriety. His call for proactive compliance with established procedures reflects a desire to avoid such controversies and maintain a climate of respect for democratic institutions. By emphasizing the importance of a smooth and orderly transition, Adomako-Mensah sought to project an image of responsibility and accountability for the NPP, positioning the party as a mature and responsible political actor. This proactive approach to transition underscores a commitment to democratic principles and a desire to avoid unnecessary distractions that could hinder the party’s future prospects.
The return of state assets, particularly official vehicles, represents a symbolic act of relinquishing power and acknowledging the change in administration. By adhering to the former President’s directive, outgoing appointees demonstrate respect for the rule of law and a willingness to cooperate with the incoming government. This act of compliance can also contribute to building public trust and confidence in the integrity of the transition process. Conversely, failure to return state assets could be interpreted as a sign of disrespect for established procedures and potentially fuel accusations of corruption or abuse of power, further damaging the reputation of the outgoing administration and the NPP.
Adomako-Mensah’s message serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding democratic values and respecting the rule of law, particularly during periods of political transition. His call for proactive compliance with established procedures aims to ensure a smooth and orderly transfer of power, protecting the integrity of democratic institutions and fostering public trust in the political process. By emphasizing the potential consequences of non-compliance, Adomako-Mensah underscored the imperative for outgoing appointees to act responsibly and contribute to a peaceful and dignified transition, thereby safeguarding the reputation of the NPP and facilitating its future political endeavors.
