Chief of Staff’s actions lawful, amend transition act to curtail excesses after elections – Benjamin Quashie avers

Amend Transition Act to reflect current governance structure, chief of staff acted lawfully, says Benjamin Quashie

To curtail annulments of recruitments and employment post elections, let’s amend the Transition Act – Benjamin Quashie

Chief of Staff’s actions not arbitrary, based on precedent and lawful – Benjamin Quashie

Mr. Benjamin Kofi Quashie, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Council of Elders Chair for South Africa, has suggested that Ghana make some amendments to the Transition Act to reflect the governance structure of our country in the future.

He emphasised that Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah’s annulment of recruitment and employment post 2024 elections were lawfully done.

Contributing to a panel discussion on Joy Prime Newspaper review on Wednesday, 12th February, 2025, he argued that the Chief of Staff’s letter annulling all employment and recruitment by the government post December 7, 2024 elections followed due process. He challenged the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s position on the matter, which reflected a coup d’état, as incorrect and inconsequential.

Reflecting on what the NPP did when they took over the reins of government in 2017 and the current happenings, he reminded the NPP of Osafo Marfo’s commentaries on the same matter. He, however, suggested an amendment of the transition act to clear such mischief.

The SA Council Chair noted that the Chief of Staff, Mr. Julius Debrah’s actions cannot be arbitrary, but must be based on a report he gathered.

“You would be surprised at what is in the report. He knows it. Most of the recruitments were done in bad faith. They have taken NPP supporters to key institutions, which would not augur well for our agenda to develop this country”, revealed Mr. Quashie.

It is against this backdrop that he thinks amending the Transition Act is of supreme merit to avoid such back-and-forth when governments change hands.

Nonetheless, being part of the transition committee and being aware of the actions of the previous government, he understands the Chief of Staff’s actions, arguing that when the report is released and the employments are shown to be based on merit, that will be accepted.

“But where party foot soldiers are put in certain key areas of our economy… then you don’t blame the Chief of Staff, you can’t. The right things must be done”, he emphasised.