President John Mahama says his transition team has acted in “utmost good faith” in the ongoing transition to hand over the governance of the country to the incoming Akufo-Addo government.
At a meeting with the Catholic Bishops Conference in Accra Wednesday, President Mahama said the transition exercise has been smooth, noting the two teams have engaged each other in good faith.
“Transition has gone smoothly so far and we are engaging each other in utmost good faith,” the President said despite the criticisms over his last minute appointments of people to key state institutions.
Again, President Mahama has in his last days before he hands over power to Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, been taking a number of decisions without recourse to the incoming government.
These appointments and decisions, the government in waiting has condemned, and described as being “in bad faith” on the basis that the Mahama team has breached an agreement it had with the Akufo-Addo team to consult the latter on such decisions.
But President Mahama believes his decisions remain valid insofar as he remains the President until January 7, 2017 when he hands over power to his successor, Nana Akufo-Addo.
“Of course our democracy is evolving and so there are some constitutional issues that have definitely come up as to whether a president still remains a president after he’s lost an election,” he said.
He added: “I believe that convention would answer those questions or legality might answer those questions but whatever we agree to do, we set the pace for the future. We will continue to work together in the interest of Ghana”.
Meanwhile, President Mahama said he is pleased by the fact that he will on January 7, 2017 be handing over “a peaceful and stable nation” to Nana Akufo-Addo just as he inherited it from his predecessor.
“I inherited a peaceful and stable nation from my predecessor and I’m happy to hand over a peaceful and stable nation to my successor,” he said.
President Mahama said has accepted and respect the decision of Ghanaians to give the New Patriotic Party the opportunity to take over the reign of the country’s governance, stating “I’m at peace with myself”.
“I believe Ghana our nation is bigger than any personality. Leaders will come and go but our nation will continue to survive,” he said .
He has consequently urged the people to give their support to Nana Akufo-Addo to succeed, noting “because in its success it will bring prosperity to all Ghanaians notwithstanding our ethnic or political affiliations”.
President Mahama also asked the church to continue with its intercessory role for the country, which he said has made Ghana stand out as a democratic country in the world aside the peaceful environment it enjoys.
“I dare say that Ghana will continue to be respected for what we have carried out so successfully in this country. Unfortunately it is not the same in many other places and so we can take courage from that and based on that, work together as one to build our nation into one that guarantees the life of dignity and decency to all our people,” he advised
He said despite exiting office, he would continue to avail himself for roles that would ensure that not only Ghana but also the sub region, continue to progress to make life better for the people.
Sign up for GhanaStar.com to receive daily email alerts of breaking news in Ghana. GhanaStar.com is your source for all Ghana News. Get the latest Ghana news, breaking news, sports, politics, entertainment and more about Ghana, Africa and beyond.
