The spokesperson for the incoming government’s transition team, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has raised serious concerns following the team’s first day of work. Key issues included last-minute recruitments and a substantial payment of GH₵240 million to an entity that did business with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stated that these actions could have severe fiscal implications for the incoming administration. “Several issues arose that sparked discussions. Among them was the troubling matter of last-minute recruitments and payments in some ministries, departments, and agencies,” he explained.
He specifically highlighted the payment to the ECG-related entity, noting that the incoming team requested a halt to the transaction until further scrutiny could be conducted. The former Deputy Information Minister emphasized that the timing and amount of the payment could adversely affect the public purse, particularly given the fragile state of the economy. “Good governance requires that the incoming government be allowed to make these decisions,” he added.
While recognizing that payments to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) might be justifiable to maintain stable power supply, he questioned the urgency and necessity of this particular payment. “We have obtained information and seen documentation related to efforts to pay over GH₵240 million to an entity that has allegedly done business with the ECG. If this payment were to IPPs to ensure continued power supply, one might not have an issue. However, it is being paid to an entity whose work, in my opinion, is not as critical as that of the IPPs.”
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stated that the team suggested broader consultations to address these issues, citing the incoming government’s responsibility to manage fiscal implications. “The timing of the recruitment could have severe fiscal consequences for the incoming government,” he remarked.
He also noted that representatives from the outgoing government agreed to suspend the GH₵240 million payment pending further discussions at the next transition team meeting scheduled for Friday. “We raised strong objections to these actions and requested they be put on hold. The government agreed, and we will firmly insist that this sets a dangerous precedent,” concluded Mr. Kwakye Ofosu.
