Ghana’s President-Elect calls for transparency and cooperation for smooth transition

The President-elect, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has expressed his appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for his full cooperation so far and "hope and expect that it would still continue until the formal transfer of power takes place. 

He expressed his gratitude when he and President Mahama co-chaired the transitional team that was inaugurated at the Accra International Conference Centre in Accra.

The President—Elect, believes with transparency and cooperation, both teams will do a thorough job. 

Nana Akufo Addo entreated members of the Transition Team to let cooperation and allow openness to guide them in the course of their work. 

Nana Akufo-Addo, who is co-chairing the transition process with President Mahama, noted that unlike previous elections which went into run-offs, thereby limiting the time available for a thorough transition, this year's was different.

He said although he knows that government is a continuing business, “it is important though that the decisions to be taken between now and January 7 would be guided in the best interest of the nation."

Below Is His Remarks

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT-ELECT OF THE REPUBLIC, NANA ADDO DANKWA AKUFO-ADDO, ON THE INAUGURATION OF THE PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION TEAMS ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2016, AT THE ACCRA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE.

Mr. President

Mr. Vice President-Elect

Members of the Respective Transition Teams 

Ladies and Gentlemen, Fellow Ghanaians.

We are met here this afternoon to give effect to the decision that the Ghanaian people took in all serenity and dignity on 7th December, 2016. 

We are doing so within the confines of a new law, which is being brought into play for the second time. 

Unlike the first time in 2012, which saw the law being applied in an internal manner that is in a transition from the same ruling party to itself, this time the transition is from one ruling party to another.

This changes the dynamics of what has been done before. 

Fortunately for us, this third time when we are experiencing a change of government from one party to another, we are doing so without the pressure of a run-off. 

In 2000, we had a run-off to settle the issue. Again, in 2008, we had another run-off to settle the issue. 

This time a run-off has been avoided, which means that we have sufficient time to do a complete and thorough job. 

With genuine co-operation and openness, that objective can be realized. I would entreat you, members of the respective transition teams, to let co-operation and transparency be your guiding watchwords.

I am aware that the mandate of His Excellency the President will run till 7th January 2017, and that government is a continuing business. 

It is important though, that decisions that are taken between now and then are guided by the national interest.

I have so far received full co-operation from His Excellency the President, for which I thank him and I hope and expect that it will so continue until the formal transfer of authority takes place on 7th January next year. 

In the meantime, I wish you the best of luck in your endeavours. 

The Ghanaian people are expectant. I am sure you will not disappoint them.

God bless, and God make our homeland Ghana great and strong. 

Thank you