Fatimatu Abubakar, the Minister for Information and spokesperson for the government on the 2024 Transition Team, has defended the current administration’s recent recruitments and financial activities against criticisms from the incoming government.
She argued that all ongoing actions fall within the framework of the law and are part of the approved 2024 budget, maintaining that the government is acting within its constitutional mandate until the official handover of power.
On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, the Mahama Transition Team, led by spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, expressed concerns over last-minute recruitments, promotions, and financial transactions by the outgoing administration. The team warned that any unauthorized actions, including backdated appointments or payments, would be reversed once the new government takes office.
In a firm response during an interview on Eyewitness News, Fatimatu Abubakar dismissed the allegations and urged the incoming administration to avoid politicizing routine administrative processes. She emphasized that the current government’s activities remain lawful and necessary to fulfill its responsibilities until the formal transfer of power.
“The question we should be asking is whether the government is doing anything illegal. If the government is doing something illegal, it does not matter whether it is taking place within the transition period or for the past eight years. Anything illegal ought to be prosecuted if they so desire,” Abubakar stated. She added, “But if that is not the case, they should not hide behind the transition team to place an embargo on the constitutional mandate of President Akufo-Addo.”
The Information Minister explained that the criticized activities are tied to the 2024 budget, which had been scrutinized and approved by Parliament. She noted that the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the incoming party, actively participated in the budget’s approval process and should therefore be well aware of its provisions.
“If you look at all the activities they are complaining about, to the best of my knowledge, these are activities featured in the 2024 budget year,” Abubakar said. She highlighted that the budget underwent thorough scrutiny in Parliament, including input from the NDC, in what she described as a hung parliament.
She further questioned why the NDC, after playing an integral role in passing the budget and related expenditures, would now raise objections. “From November 2024, the budget was sent to Parliament. They are part of that Parliament that sat through the budget. They could scrutinize, do the appropriation, and go to the committee and every aspect of the process that led to the passage of the budget.
“They were an integral part of that. When the finance minister went to Parliament for reassignment during the midyear budget review, they were part of the same Parliament that passed the same expenditure. I am surprised that if there is an activity or expenditure captured in this budget, and the NDC fully participated in them, why will they turn around all of a sudden and say there are some irregular activities?” she questioned.
The Minister expressed disappointment in what she perceived as an attempt to undermine the outgoing administration’s constitutional rights and responsibilities during the transition period. She asserted that all government actions are consistent with the law and that the incoming administration should focus on ensuring continuity rather than creating unnecessary tension.
Abubakar also dismissed claims of irregularities in the budget execution, arguing that the approved expenditures and activities reflect the priorities outlined by the Akufo-Addo administration for the 2024 fiscal year. She stressed that the Ministry of Finance and other relevant ministries have acted transparently in implementing the projects and programmes outlined in the budget.
The Mahama Transition Team’s concerns, however, have sparked significant public debate. Critics of the outgoing government argue that last-minute recruitments and financial transactions during the transition period could be seen as attempts to tie the hands of the incoming administration. Such actions, they say, risk creating unnecessary financial and administrative burdens for the new government.
Supporters of the outgoing administration, on the other hand, contend that the government retains full authority until the official handover date and has the right to fulfill its mandate without interference. They argue that the transition process should not be used as a tool to curtail the government’s constitutional powers.
The back-and-forth between the two transition teams highlights the challenges often faced during political transitions in Ghana. Observers note that such disputes can undermine public confidence in the process and create unnecessary friction between outgoing and incoming administrations.
As the transition progresses, many Ghanaians are calling for greater transparency and collaboration between the two teams to ensure a smooth transfer of power. Both sides are urged to prioritize the national interest and avoid actions that could disrupt governance or create divisions.
The Information Minister concluded her remarks by reiterating the outgoing administration’s commitment to acting within the confines of the law. She called on the incoming government to respect the constitutional processes and refrain from politicizing routine administrative decisions.
While the political rhetoric continues, the focus for many remains on ensuring stability and continuity during the transition. With President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s administration nearing the end of its tenure, the actions taken in these final weeks will likely be scrutinized closely. Both the outgoing and incoming administrations face the challenge of navigating this period in a manner that upholds the principles of good governance and accountability.
This development serves as a reminder of the importance of clear communication and mutual respect during transitions of power. As the handover date approaches, all eyes will be on how both teams manage the process and address the concerns raised, with the hope that Ghana’s democratic credentials will be upheld.
