IEA Holds Workshop On Transition Bill

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) yesterday organised a workshop to discuss the Presidential Transition Bill drafted in 2008.

The Bill seeks to establish the arrangement for the political transfer of administration from one democratically elected President to another.

According to Justice V.C.R.A.C Crabbe, a Statutes Law Review Commissioner, the workshop was organised as a medium of getting reaction from the public on the Bill that is yet to be passed into law.

Speaking at the workshop, Mr Kwamena Ahwoi, a Senior Lecturer at GIMPA and a member of the transition team said it is critical that there should be a Transitional Act that guides transition for both government in power and opposition when there is a change in government.

He proposed that the Bill should include the setting up of a Unit that will be in charge of government assets so that there will be smooth handing over of these assets during transition periods.

Mr Ahwoi also proposed an Independent Office of Administrator General who will be given the status of a High Court Judge to manage presidential assets that are being managed by civil servants.

Mr Fahan Laary Bimi, the Chairman for the National commission for Civic Education
(NCCE) observed that there should be comprehensive proposals in the transition Bill which should provide for entitlements for out-going Government Officials.

The NCCE, M. Bimi added, is proposing the succession of ministers to take charge of the country in the absence of the president and his vice instead of the Speaker of Parliament or the Chief Justice.

Nana Ato Dadzie, a private legal practitioner, said if the Transition Bill is passed into law, there will be transparency and openness in the system of governance in the country as well as provides a framework for future political transitions.