President-elect John Dramani Mahama visited the Jubilee House, Wednesday, at the invitation of President Akufo-Addo.
The meeting centered on the inauguration of a joint transitional team to oversee a smooth transfer of power following Mr Mahama’s electoral victory on Saturday.
Ahead of the official engagement, the two leaders had a brief and cordial interaction, during which President Akufo-Addo assured Mr Mahama of his full support for the transition process.
The President said that one of the reasons for meeting him earlier than scheduled was “to assure him of my full support and that of my government over the transitional process to make sure that this administration takes off in the best of conditions.
“It is in the interest of all of us as Ghanaians that I brought him here.”
The atmosphere was notably warm and cooperative, a marked departure from the heated exchanges during the campaign season.
Speaking to journalists, President Akufo-Addo stressed his longstanding relationship with Mr Mahama and acknowledged the latter’s familiarity with the presidency.
“He’s familiar with this place. He was here before I came. He’s back here again. He knows exactly what is entailed,” President Akufo-Addo said.
Seated beside him, President-elect John Mahama responded in kind, reflecting on their meeting and the assurances received.
“When I spoke after the declaration of results, I mentioned that His Excellency, the President, had given me a call to congratulate me, and so I had the opportunity to thank him this morning for being that gracious to give me that call.
“We had a very cordial meeting. At the time he called, he suggested 11 am this morning to have the preliminary meeting towards setting up the transitional team. And that meeting has just ended, it was very cordial, and I think we were very happy to be together,” Mr Mahama stated.
He expressed his optimism about the transition process and the potential for continued collaboration.
“I’m happy at the assurance he has given us that we’re going to work together in the interest of Ghana to ensure a seamless transition, and I believe that even after that transition, it will be necessary for us to continue to keep a channel of communication so that Ghana’s democratic credentials are consolidated and we all work together in the national interest,” Mr Mahama added.
On Tuesday, Mr Mahama announced a 10-member transition team tasked with overseeing the smooth transfer of power from the outgoing administration.
Former Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has been named as co-chair of his team.
Subsequently, President Akufo-Addo also appointed some persons to constitute the government side of the transition team.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, December 10, it said the persons were appointed in accordance with Section 1 (1) of the Presidential (Transition) Act, 2012 (Act 845) (the “Act”)
