President-Elect Mahama’s Transition Team Raises Concerns Over Last-Minute Recruitments and Payments

President-Elect John Dramani Mahama’s transition team has raised concerns about a series of last-minute recruitments and payments being initiated by the outgoing administration, warning of their potential impact on the country’s fiscal stability.

Speaking after the team’s first engagement on Wednesday, Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, spokesperson for the transition team, highlighted that these actions—occurring in public institutions and various ministries—could pose significant financial challenges for the incoming government.

“There were a few issues that came up that generated some discussions. Amongst them was the worrying issue of last-minute recruitments and payments in some ministries, departments, and agencies,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stated.

Particular attention was drawn to a planned payment of GH₵240 million to an entity associated with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). Mr. Kwakye Ofosu questioned the timing and necessity of the payment, suggesting it lacked the urgency and strategic importance of other financial obligations, such as those owed to Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

“We have picked up information and indeed we’ve seen documentation relating to efforts to pay over GH₵240 million to an entity that is supposed to have done some business with the ECG. Now, if it was being paid to IPPs to keep the power on, one perhaps would not have an issue, but it is being paid to an entity whose work, in my view, is not as critical as IPPs,” he noted.

Mr. Kwakye Ofosu called for the payment to be suspended until it undergoes proper scrutiny. He emphasized that such significant financial decisions should be left to the incoming administration to ensure accountability and transparency.

“Good governance requires that the incoming government is given the opportunity to make these decisions,” he added.

The transition team also expressed alarm over last-minute recruitments across various ministries, departments, and agencies. According to Mr. Kwakye Ofosu, these recruitments, if not halted, could strain the already fragile economic environment the incoming administration is set to inherit.

“The timing of the recruitment would have severe fiscal implications on the incoming government,” he cautioned.

The team has formally requested that all recruitment processes and related actions be paused. While the outgoing government has reportedly agreed to this request, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu underscored the importance of preventing such practices from becoming a precedent.

“We raised strong objections to these maneuvers and requested that they be put on hold. The government side agreed to this, and we will forcefully insist that this is a dangerous precedent,” he affirmed.

Mr. Kwakye Ofosu reiterated the need for broader consultations to address these concerns, emphasizing the incoming government’s responsibility to safeguard the public purse. He noted that the economic challenges facing the country require decisive action to ensure fiscal discipline and sustainability.

As President-Elect Mahama’s transition team continues its work, these issues are expected to remain at the forefront of discussions with the outgoing administration. The team has pledged to prioritize transparency and fiscal responsibility as they prepare to assume office.