NDC transition team raises red-flags over last-minute recruitments and GH₵240m ECG payment

Felix Kwakye Ofosu, spokesperson for the NDC’s incoming government transition team, has raised alarm over several issues flagged during the team’s first day of work, including last-minute recruitments and a GH₵240 million payment to an entity with ties to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

Mr. Kwakye Ofosu expressed concern that these actions could have significant fiscal consequences for the new administration. “Several issues came up for discussion, including the troubling matter of last-minute appointments and financial transactions in various ministries, departments, and agencies,” he said.

One of the most pressing issues highlighted was the large payment made to the ECG-linked entity. The transition team has called for the payment to be put on hold until a thorough review can be conducted.

“Given the fragile state of the economy, this payment’s size and timing could severely strain the public finances,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stated, adding that the incoming government should be allowed to make decisions that align with sound fiscal management.

While acknowledging that payments to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) might be necessary to maintain power supply, he questioned the urgency of this particular GH₵240 million transaction, noting that it was being made to an entity whose role was not as crucial as that of the IPPs.

“We’ve received reports and seen documentation indicating that over GH₵240 million is being paid to an entity linked to ECG. If this were to IPPs to ensure electricity supply, there might be justification, but it’s going to an entity whose work is less critical,” he said.

Mr. Kwakye Ofosu revealed that the transition team has called for broader consultations to address these concerns, particularly in light of the potential fiscal impact on the incoming government. He added that the outgoing government’s representatives had agreed to suspend the payment pending further discussion at the next transition meeting scheduled for Friday.

“We raised strong objections to these actions and demanded they be halted. The government side has agreed, and we will continue to firmly oppose any moves that set such a dangerous precedent,” he concluded.