Nana Ato Dadzie, a former Chief of Staff during the late Jerry John Rawlings’ administration and a recognized political transition expert, has emphasized the critical need for proper political transitions in Africa to prevent turmoil and loss of lives.

Speaking on the MASTER of the GAME show hosted by King Kwasi Kyei Darkwah (KKD) on Accra-based CTV on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, Nana Ato Dadzie lamented Africa’s history of chaotic transitions, which he described as a significant challenge to the continent's stability.

“Africa’s major challenge is ensuring smooth transitions. The lack of proper handovers has resulted in significant turmoil, including loss of lives,” he noted.

He stressed that the  pillars that ensure transitions are successful are pre-transition, transition and post-transition adding that if these are not handled well it becomes problematic

Citing examples, he pointed to Ivory Coast, where the transfer of power led to the deaths of about three thousand people, and Nigeria, where over three million lives were lost during transitions.

He added, “People go to elections, people die, and sometimes a president is even dragged to The Hague.”

Nana Ato Dadzie described transitions as fragile periods in governance, marking the critical phase between one administration leaving and another assuming office.

He stressed that ensuring orderly and efficient transitions is essential for democratic growth and political stability.

“Good transitions ensure good elections,” he argued, adding that their absence has caused countless tragedies across the continent.

He highlighted that in Ghana, recent power changes have resulted in instances of looting, vandalism, and destruction of property, these behaviours he called on authorities to address promptly.

To curb such challenges, Nana Ato Dadzie pointed to Ghana’s Presidential (Transition) Act 845, 2012, which established the Administrator-General and the Public Estates Unit.

These entities are tasked with creating and maintaining accurate records of government assets to ensure smooth handovers and safeguard state properties.

“Without a competent and efficient Administrator-General, we risk losing state assets during transitions,” he cautioned, calling for robust implementation of the law to strengthen governance processes.

Nana Ato Dadzie concluded by urging African governments to prioritize the establishment of mechanisms that ensure peaceful and orderly transitions, to safeguard lives and properties and enhance trust in democratic systems.