The outgoing government’s transition team has issued a clarification regarding ongoing payments and recruitment processes during the transition period. Contrary to circulating rumors, the team has not mandated that all such matters be referred to the Transition Committee for review. Instead, during their second meeting held on December 13, 2024, at the Accra International Conference Centre, they established a protocol for addressing specific allegations of illegality concerning payments or recruitment. The committee stipulated that any such concerns must be formally brought to their attention for evaluation and decision-making. This clarification emphasizes that legitimate payments and recruitment processes, duly approved by relevant statutory bodies and not demonstrably illegal, are not subject to automatic referral to the Transition Committee. The government’s term officially concludes at midnight on January 6, 2025, and until then, established procedures remain in effect.
This clarification underscores the government’s commitment to a smooth and efficient transition of power to the incoming administration on January 7, 2025. The Transition Team spokesperson, Madam Fatimatu Abubakar, emphasized the importance of disregarding misinformation and relying on official communications. The statement released to the Ghana News Agency reiterated that the reported requirement for universal referral of payments and recruitments is not an accurate reflection of the committee’s decisions. The focus remains on facilitating a seamless handover, ensuring the continuity of government functions, and addressing legitimate concerns about potential irregularities.
During the December 13th meeting, the Transition Committee also made significant strides in structuring its operations to facilitate the handover process. A key decision was the formation of six additional sub-committees to address critical sectors: Finance and Economy, Energy and Natural Resources, Legal and Governance, Infrastructure, Interior/Public Safety, and Social Sector. These sub-committees are designed to provide focused expertise and streamline the review of information related to their respective domains. Each sub-committee will consist of three nominees from both the outgoing and incoming governments, ensuring balanced representation and collaboration.
To further enhance the efficiency and expertise of the sub-committees, key government officials will participate as needed. The Head of Civil Service, the Head of Local Government Service, and the Cabinet Secretary will be available to provide guidance and support to any sub-committee requiring their specific knowledge and experience. This structured approach aims to ensure that the transition process is informed by the relevant institutional knowledge and experience, fostering a comprehensive and effective handover.
The meeting also established a clear timeline and process for the handover of information. Outgoing ministers and heads of agencies were directed to submit their handing over notes to the respective sub-committee chairs. These notes are expected to provide a detailed overview of the current state of affairs within each sector, facilitating the incoming government’s understanding and enabling a smooth transition. The sub-committees were given an initial deadline of one week to review the submitted notes and provide preliminary assessments. This structured approach ensures a timely and organized flow of information, enabling the incoming administration to quickly grasp the key issues and challenges within each sector.
Furthermore, to ensure a comprehensive review of the handover notes, the Transition Committee established a mechanism for direct interaction with outgoing officials. Outgoing ministers, heads of agencies, and relevant technical staff will be invited to participate in discussions with the sub-committees as they review the submitted notes. This direct engagement will provide an opportunity for clarification, elaboration, and in-depth discussion of the information presented. This collaborative approach ensures that the incoming government receives a comprehensive understanding of the current status of each sector, facilitating a smooth and informed transition of responsibilities. This also enables outgoing officials to provide context and answer questions, promoting transparency and facilitating a more effective handover.
