Why President-elect Mahama must appoint representatives to Transition team within 24 hours after declaration of results

The President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, is expected to appoint his representatives to the Transition Team for the transfer of power within the next 24 hours.

This is in line with Section 1 of the Presidential (Transition) Act, 2012, (Act 845) which enjoins both the incumbent President and President - Elect to appoint representatives to the  Transition Team within 24 hours after declaration of the Presidential results.

Pursuant to Section 1(1) (a)  of Act 845,  the following persons must be part of President Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo’s representatives - the Chief of Staff, the Attorney - General and Ministers responsible for Finance, the Interior, Defence, Foreign Affairs, Local Government  and National Security.

Likewise, Mr Mahama, in line with Section 1(1) (b) of Act 845, must also appoint  equal number of persons  to be responsible for the above  mentioned portfolios.

The Transition Team shall also include the Heads of the Civil Service, and Local Government Service , Secretary to the Cabinet and the National Security Coordinator.

President Akufo- Addo and Mr Mahama can decide to  chair their respective transition teams or delegate such responsibility to any person of their choice, pursuant to Section 1 (2) (b) of Act 845.

Functions 

The Transition Team , which must have its first meeting within 48 hours after the declarations of the results, among other functions, is responsible to make arrangement for the smooth transfer of power from the incumbent President to the President -Elect.

It also ensure that the President -Elect is provided with daily national security briefings before his assumption into office.

Also, the Transition Team is charged with the responsibility of ensuring the prompt payment of salaries , benefits,and retiring benefits of Members of Parliaments,  and other Article 71 office holders whose tenure has ended.

Writer’s email: emma.hawkson@graphic.com.gh