President Mahama dissolves statutory boards, commissions, and councils

President John Dramani Mahama has issued a directive dissolving all boards of statutory corporations, commissions, and councils appointed by the previous Nana Akufo-Addo administration.

The notice, issued in accordance with the Presidential (Transition) Act, 2012 (Act 845), takes immediate effect and marks the latest in a series of orders aimed at restructuring state institutions.

The directive, signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Acting Spokesperson to the President, serves as formal notice to all affected members of statutory boards, corporations, commissions, and councils that their tenure ended with the assumption of office by the new president.

“In accordance with the Presidential (Transition) Act, 2012 (Act 845), all members of statutory boards, corporations, commissions, and councils appointed by the former President or a former Minister of State ceased to hold office on 7th January 2025, following the assumption of office of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama,” the statement read.

The notice, however, clarified that independent constitutional bodies are exempt from this directive. The affected boards and commissions will be reconstituted in due course, following their respective enabling laws.

John Dramani Mahama was sworn in as Ghana’s new president on January 7, 2025, after winning the December 2024 presidential election. His return to office has been characterised by swift actions to reverse several policies of the previous administration led by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

One of similar major decisions taken by the Mahama administration was to revoke the appointments of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) across the country. He has also dissolved some Ministerial offices under the previous administration to keep in line with his campaign promise of a “lean government”.

Implications of the board dissolutions

The dissolution of the boards of statutory bodies is expected to pave the way for the reconstitution of these institutions with new appointees aligned with the policies and priorities of the Mahama administration.

The move is seen as part of a broader effort to ensure accountability and prevent any potential misuse of office during the transition period.

In the interim, the management of the affected bodies has been directed to seek clearance from the Chief of Staff before making any major decisions. “The managements of these bodies are directed, until further notice, to seek clearance from the Chief of Staff before taking any major decisions,” the notice emphasised.

President Mahama’s administration has made it clear that accountability and transparency will be key pillars of his governance approach.

The ongoing orders, including the dissolution of boards and the halt on land sales, demonstrate the government’s resolve to take immediate actions to address concerns about governance and resource management.

The post President Mahama dissolves statutory boards, commissions, and councils first appeared on 3News.

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