Presidential Transitioning Powers, Privileges, and Protocol From Akufo Addo to John Mahama

Let us delve more into the much more important changes.

• Head of State and Government: Upon John Mahama’s swearing-in, Nana Akufo-Addo immediately loses the authority to act as the head of state and government. This means he no longer has the power to make executive decisions, sign bills into law, or issue executive orders. The presidency’s constitutional powers as outlined in Chapter 8 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana would transfer to Mahama.
• Commander-in-Chief: Akufo-Addo will cease to be the commander-in-chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, a role that includes the authority over military operations, appointments, and declarations related to national security. This transition symbolizes a peaceful handover of military command in Ghana’s democratic tradition.

• Security Detail: While former presidents in Ghana maintain some level of security, the scale and nature of this protection are reduced compared to what is afforded to the sitting president. Akufo-Addo would transition from having a comprehensive security setup to a more limited one, suitable for a former president but no longer reflecting the immediate threat assessment for an active head of state.
• Official Residences: The immediate loss of use of the official presidential residence, known as the Jubilee House, and possibly other state-owned residences designated for the president’s use. There’s a precedent where former presidents have requested to retain certain government properties post-tenure, but this is not automatic and depends on agreements or new government policies.

• Staff and Resources: The entire presidential staff, from advisors to administrative support, would shift allegiance to the new president. Akufo-Addo would no longer have access to the vast network of civil servants, policy advisors, and other personnel who support the executive branch’s daily operations.
• State Transport: The use of official state vehicles, including the presidential aircraft, would no longer be at his disposal. While former presidents might retain some travel privileges, these are far less extensive than those enjoyed by the sitting president.

• National Protocol: Akufo-Addo would lose his precedence at state functions, where he would now rank below the new president in terms of protocol. This includes seating, speaking order, and other ceremonial honours.
• Use of Presidential Title: Although he retains the title of “former president,” the immediate association with current governance ends, and he would no longer be referred to in terms that denote active leadership.

READ: Profile of John Mahama: Biography, Early Life, Net Worth, Wife

• Historical Transitions: Ghana’s history of democratic transitions, like in 2017 when Akufo-Addo himself took over from Mahama, showcases a tradition of peaceful power transfer. Each transition is a moment of national reflection, often marked by ceremonial events, speeches, and public gatherings, highlighting the country’s commitment to democracy.

  
• Entertainment in Transition: Imagine the pomp and circumstance of such an event, perhaps with cultural performances celebrating Ghanaian heritage or a grand parade where military bands play, symbolizing the continuity of the state despite the change in leadership. It’s a moment where history, tradition, and the everyday life of Ghanaians intersect in a celebration of democracy.

READ: Profile of Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, Ghana’s First Female Vice President