'Last-minute' recruitment and payments are not illegal - Government

The government side of the Transition Team has said ongoing recruitment processes and payments have received the relevant statutory approvals and have not been proven to be illegal.

President-elect John Dramani Mahama has called on the Transition Team to ensure full transparency and accountability in its operations as it prepares to take over power from the current administration.

This follows allegations of last-minute government recruitments and the disbursement of GH₵240 million to a business partner of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

During a joint meeting on Wednesday, December 13, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Transition Team raised concerns about the potential financial and operational impact of recent government actions on the incoming administration.

However, in a statement issued by the Minister of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, it was noted that the recruitment processes and payments are lawful.

"Regarding concerns about ongoing recruitment and payments, it was noted that the Government's term expires at midnight on January 6, 2025. These recruitment processes and payments have received the relevant statutory approvals and have not been proven to be illegal.

It was decided that any specific allegation of illegality regarding any particular payment or recruitment should be brought to the attention of the Transition Team for a decision to be made."

The statement further indicated that no decision has been taken to refer ongoing recruitment and payments to the Transition Team.

"Kindly disregard any statements purporting to indicate that the committee has taken a decision to the effect that all ongoing payments and recruitment should be referred to the Transition Team, as such statements do not reflect the records of the meeting.

"I would like to reiterate the Government’s commitment to a seamless transitional process as we prepare to pass the baton to the incoming government on January 7, 2025," the statement added.

KA

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