Why President-elect Mahama Must Appoint Transition Team Representatives Within 24 Hours

President-elect John Dramani Mahama is required to name his representatives to the Transition Team within 24 hours of the presidential results announcement. This mandate follows Section 1 of the Presidential (Transition) Act, 2012 (Act 845), which directs both the outgoing and incoming presidents to ensure smooth power transfer.

Key Requirements

Per Section 1(1)(a) of Act 845, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's team must include the Chief of Staff, Attorney General, and ministers for Finance, Interior, Defence, Foreign Affairs, Local Government, and National Security.

Similarly, Mahama is tasked under Section 1(1)(b) to appoint representatives to cover the same portfolios. The team will also include critical government officials such as the Heads of the Civil and Local Government Services, the Secretary to the Cabinet, and the National Security Coordinator.

Both Akufo-Addo and Mahama can chair their respective teams or delegate the responsibility, according to Section 1(2)(b) of the Act.

Functions of the Transition Team

The Transition Team must hold its first meeting within 48 hours of the results declaration. Its core duties include ensuring a smooth power transfer and providing the President-elect with daily national security updates.

Additionally, the team oversees timely payment of salaries and benefits for outgoing MPs and other Article 71 officeholders whose terms have ended.

The swift formation of this team is crucial for a seamless transition as the nation moves forward