The Minister for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, who also serves as the government spokesperson on the 2024 Transition Team, has robustly defended the Akufo-Addo administration’s recent recruitments and financial transactions amid allegations from the incoming Mahama administration of unauthorized actions.
On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, the spokesperson for the Mahama Transition Team, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, issued a warning that any irregular recruitments, promotions, or financial dealings—some allegedly backdated—would be reversed once the formal transfer of power is completed.
Speaking on Eyewitness News, Abubakar dismissed the accusations, asserting that all actions taken by the outgoing government are within the framework of the law. She emphasized that the current administration retains its constitutional mandate until the official handover, adding that the ongoing activities are legitimate and necessary.
“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,” she stated.
Abubakar urged the incoming administration to respect established processes and refrain from politicizing routine administrative decisions.
The Minister explained that the activities in question are part of the approved 2024 budget, which underwent scrutiny and approval by Parliament, including members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). She expressed surprise at the NDC’s sudden opposition, considering their involvement in the budgetary process.
“These activities they are complaining about are captured in the 2024 budget year,” she noted. “From November 2024, the budget was sent to Parliament. They [the NDC] are part of that Parliament. We have a hung Parliament, so every aspect of the budget was scrutinized and passed with their participation.”
Abubakar further highlighted that the NDC was part of the parliamentary process that approved the expenditures during the midyear budget review.
Reiterating her stance, Abubakar stated that President Akufo-Addo’s constitutional mandate continues until the transition is formally completed. She questioned why the NDC, after being integral to the budgetary process, is now raising concerns over activities that fall within the government’s mandate.
“I am surprised that if there is an activity or expenditure captured in this budget, and the NDC fully participated in them, they would turn around and claim there are irregular activities,” she said.
The Information Minister’s remarks come amidst heightened political tensions as the country transitions power following the 2024 elections. While the Mahama Transition Team has raised red flags about specific actions of the outgoing administration, the government insists that all decisions align with legal and constitutional frameworks.
This story is developing, and Amnewsworld will provide updates as the transition unfolds.
Senior Reporter at AMN News Agency, known for his insightful journalism and in-depth coverage of current events.
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