Mahama must vacate official residence now – Akomea

Former President John Mahama has no business occupying his official residence after leaving office, Director of Communications of the New Patriotic Party, Nana Akomea has said.

According to him, Mr Mahama’s decision to take over the government apartment is absurd, worrying and one that defies logic.

Consequently, Mr Akomea has urged the presidency to reject the former president’s offer as it would set a bad precedent.

“It would set a very bad precedent if Mr Mahama is permitted to stay in that house, and we should discourage that as politicians. It simply doesn’t make moral sense, to say the least,” Mr Akomea stressed.

In an interview with Okay FM, the NPP communications director insisted that it would be “great disservice” to the nation if such conduct by politicians go unchecked.

Former President Mahama’s decision to stay in his official residence after leaving office has attracted a storm of criticism from a section of the public who believe his conduct flouts aspects of the Transition Act.

A letter dated December 19, 2016, and signed by the former Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, made a request to the Transition Team of the new government to allow Former President to keep Bungalow No.3 of Prestige Link in Cantonments, “and its adjoining facilities as his retirement home.”

The President also requested to have Bungalow No.6 on 3rd Avenue, Ridge, as his office.

After the controversy, the office of the former president responded in a press statement on Monday claiming that a deal had been reached for the former president to keep the house. The statement reads:

“Contrary to the claims being made that HE John Dramani Mahama, former President of the Republic of Ghana, has refused to vacate his residence, we wish to state and confirm that per the information officially communicated to the newly inaugurated administration following discussions by the Joint Transition Team, President Mahama will continue to maintain his current place of residence as his retirement home.

“The decision and agreement on the place of residence and office for the former President was formally communicated to the new administration by the former Chief of Staff Julius Debrah on December 19, 2016.

“The Sixth Parliament of the 4th Republic before its dissolution, also resolved that residential and office accommodation should be provided to the outgoing President, HE John Dramani Mahama in line with convention and existing precedent.

“The claims that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is stranded and has nowhere to stay, is mischievous and deliberately intended to embarrass President Mahama.

“The Vice President is expected to take up residence in the House known as Australia House, which was previously occupied by former Vice President Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur.

“An Official and Permanent residence for the Vice President is currently under construction, off the Switchback road. Dr Bawumia will move into the new structure when completed.

Office of HE John Dramani Mahama

Former President of the Republic of Ghana

Accra- Ghana.