Akufo-Addo, Mahama Begin Peaceful Transfer of Power

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, met yesterday, Wednesday December 11, at the Jubilee House, to initiate the preliminary stages for the smooth transfer of power.

The meeting, following Mr Mahama’s win at the December 7, 2024, presidential election, was held in accordance with the Transition Act, which mandates the formation of a joint transition team within 24 hours, to oversee the transfer of authority.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, President Akufo-Addo, expressed his satisfaction with the encounter, which he described as both cordial and constructive.

He congratulated President-elect Mahama on his victory, highlighting the historic significance of the country’s first female vice president, a milestone he called, a cause for national celebration.

President Akufo-Addo, assured Mr Mahama of his full support throughout the transition process and pledged that his government, would assist in ensuring the incoming administration starts with the best possible conditions.

“It’s in the interest of all of us as Ghanaians that that should happen.

“All of it is in order to make sure that our nation, Ghana, continues to march forward as a functioning, effective, democratic state, which respects the will of the people, which respects human rights and the rule of law and where we are all secure in our daily life,” he said in a report by GNA.

The President, also commended Mr Mahama, for his timely intervention regarding recent incidents of lawlessness in the country, commending his efforts to reinforce state authority.

“We have spoken a little bit about the issues that have occurred, the seeming lawlessness that is taking place over this weekend…

“I expressed my happiness at his intervention yesterday in speaking to the country about what was going on and the reinforcing of the authority of the state to make sure that these matters are dealt with,” he said.

President-elect Mahama, for his part, thanked Akufo-Addo, for his graciousness in calling to congratulate him, following the declaration of the election results.

He acknowledged the importance of the transitional process, noting that, while the joint teams would delve deeper into security and economic matters, the meeting had already provided valuable briefings.

Mr Mahama, expressed optimism about the continued collaboration between the two leaders beyond the transition, aiming to further consolidate Ghana’s democratic credentials.

“I am happy that the assurance he is giving us that we are going to work together in the interest of Ghana to ensure a seamless transition.

“I believe that even after that transition, it would be nice for us to continue to keep a channel of communication, so that Ghana’s democratic credentials are consolidated and we all work together in the national interest,” he said.

Mr Mahama, who arrived at the President at exactly 1100 hours, was accompanied by Vice President-elect Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, and Julius Deborah, co-Chair of the Joint Transition Team.

The joint transition team, is expected to be formally inaugurated later this afternoon.