Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the spokesperson for the transition team of the incoming government, has expressed serious concerns about the outgoing administration’s last-minute actions, which include massive recruiting and a payment of GH₵240 million to a company connected to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
Following the team’s first day of work, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu warned that, considering the current precarious status of the economy, these measures could have major financial consequences for the next government.
“There were a few issues that generated discussion, notably the troubling last-minute recruitments and payments in some Ministries, Departments, and Agencies,” he disclosed.
He highlighted the payment to the ECG-related firm and clarified that the incoming team asked for the transaction to be suspended so that it could be properly examined, highlighting the importance of exercising financial prudence throughout the transition.
“The incoming government must be given the chance to evaluate and make well-informed decisions on such matters in order for good governance to occur,” he said.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu acknowledged that payments to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) are necessary to ensure the supply of energy, but he questioned the significance and urgency of the GH₵240 million payment in question.
“Documentation indicates efforts to pay over GH₵240 million to an entity connected to the ECG. If it was directed towards IPPs to sustain power, there might be less concern, but this payment appears unrelated to such critical needs,” he noted.
The transition team indicated additional misgivings about the financial effects of these last-minute actions, and Mr. Kwakye Ofosu urged the outgoing administration to be cautious and restrained.
“The timing of these recruitments and payments could have severe fiscal consequences on the incoming government,” Mr Ofosu added.
The outgoing government’s representatives responded by agreeing to halt the payment until the next transition team meeting, which is set for this Friday, allows for additional discussion.
We strongly objected to their acts and asked that they stop right now.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stated, “The government side has agreed, and we will make sure that such practices, which set a dangerous precedent, are thoroughly addressed.”
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com