GII commends Prez Mahama on Flagstaff House decision

The Executive Secretary of the Ghana Integrity Initiative, Vitus Azeem has commended President John Mahama for reconsidering the ruling National Democratic Congress' stance on the Flagstaff House which was built by the Kufuor administration.

The NDC government under the leadership of the late Prof. J.E.A Mills cited several reasons over their non-use of the facility which was constructed at an estimated cost of $80 million. The facility according to then President Mills had issues such as security lapses that needed to be fixed.

But President Mahama after touring the facility Sunday, set up a Committee to oversee the safe transit of the seat of government from the Osu Castle to the Flagstaff House.

The Committee which is headed by the Commodore Steve Obimpeh, according to President Mahama is expected to fixed all pending issues regarding the facility and also recommend suitable date for the smooth transition.

GII an organization which has been mounting pressure on government to move into the edifice told Joy News' Dzifa Bampoe that they welcome President Mahama's decision adding that “it is better late than never”.

According to Mr. Azeem, “It has been our hope that the place would be used as soon as possible since the place has been left to waste for three years.”

Mr. Azeem however stated that there was no need for Prez Mahama to form a committee to oversee the transition when the technical consultants for the facility are still around.

Spokesperson for President Mahama, John Jinapor said President Mahama decision should be taken in good faith.

He told Joy News that reasons the late President cited for the non-use of the facility would be addressed by the Committee.

John Jinapor however said the decision to move into the Flagstaff House must not be overshadowed by government's previous stance on the edifice.

According to him, “There was room for improvement in life. Nothing is late once there's life. We should not be drawn back by the past...if we do that we would be drawn into a quagmire…we should not allow the past to pull us down… let us build on the positives and develop this nation”.