The Spokesperson for the Government’s Transition Team and Minister for Information, Fatima Abubakar, has dismissed claims that there is an agreement to halt recruitment processes during the ongoing transition period. 

Her comments follow threats from President-elect John Dramani Mahama’s Transition Team to reverse what they described as “last-minute recruitments” initiated by the outgoing administration.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Tuesday, 17th December, Fatima Abubakar emphasised that the operations of the Transition Team do not suspend government activities. 

“The fact is that the work of the transition team does not put an embargo on the government business and does not oust the authority of the legitimate government that will end on midnight of January 7. There was no agreement to halt the recruitment or payments by the government,” she stated.

She further clarified that the roles of key government entities, including the Finance Ministry and the Controller and Accountant-General, remain intact during the transition. 

“The [Transition Team] does not replace the mandate of the Finance Minister to spend or it does not replace the mandate of controller and accountant general to pay,” Fatima added, underscoring the authority of the current administration.

Addressing concerns regarding recent recruitment, Fatima Abubakar noted that no new warrants for recruitment had been issued since the election. 

“Since the election, not a single warrant has been issued for the recruitment of any persons. The Interior Ministry and the Health Ministry have already put public releases informing nurses to go onto the portal to start their recruitment processes,” she explained. 

Her comments seek to allay fears of irregularities and affirm the government’s continued legitimacy during the transition period.