In every thriving democracy, the transition of power is more than just a change of faces in high office—it is a reaffirmation of the people’s will and an opportunity for fresh leadership to implement its vision. Ghana has long upheld the time-honoured tradition that political appointees gracefully exit their roles when their contracts have ended.

Yet, in a perplexing and increasingly upsetting situation, Jemima Oware, the Registrar of Companies at the Office of the Registrar, remained at post when her contract ended on 31st December 2024.

She attained the retirement age of 60 in May 2021 but was given a contract extension till December 2024. This situation raises important questions: Why is she still holding on to a role meant for new leadership? What message does this send about respect for democratic processes? More crucially, what risks does her continued stay pose to the integrity of our institutions?

In recent interview with Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, the current General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) said on TV3 that some CEOs appointed by former President Akufo-Addo had the audacity to lobby to stay in their position.

A prolonged stay in office could provide an opportunity for concealing past administrative failures, financial mismanagement, or regulatory lapses that should be subjected to scrutiny under new leadership. It is time for her to go home. She has no legal basis for being at post.