Mahama withdraws request to keep Cantonments bungalow

Former president John Mahama has officially written to President Akufo-Addo, stating his decision to withdraw a request to keep the bungalow that served as his official residence as part of his retirement package. A copy of the letter sighted by 3news.com and dated January 10, 2017 made reference to the confusion created by Mr. Mahama’s earlier request to reside in the house at Cantonments in Accra. “It would appear that these requests threaten to mar the spirit of cooperation with which we as co-chairs of the Joint Transition Team have managed the smooth transfer of power from my administration to yours. “I believe that this controversy is absolutely not needed in these early days as your Government settles into office,” the letter read in part. “My request is therefore humbly withdrawn,” former president Mahama said. The former president noted in the letter that he is also no longer interested the bungalow located at No.6, 3^rd Avenue as his office. Below is the letter with the Asantehene in copy Mr. President, Tuesday January 10, 2017 OFFICIAL RESIDENCE AND OFFICE I refer to our agreement on the above subject matter and wish to inform you that I have decided to formally withdraw both requests to continue to stay at my current place of residence, No. 3. Prestige Link, Cantonments and also to use bungalow No. 6, 3rd Avenue, Ridge as my office. It would appear that these requests threaten to mar the spirit of cooperation with which we as co-chairs of the Joint Transition Team have managed the smooth transfer of power from my administration to yours. I believe that this controversy is absolutely not needed in these early days as your Government settles into office. I do recognize that these are facilities that are conventionally extended to Presidents that leave office and I am also mindful of the approval by the Parliament of the Republic of Ghana on Wednesday, 4th January, 2017 at its Twenty-Second Sitting of the Third Meeting of the Fourth Session. You will recall, Mr. President, that contrary to the erroneous impression created by some persons in Government and the interpretation given to the formal letter submitted on my behalf by Mr. Julius Debrah, this was a follow up to an agreement we had on my choice of accommodation and office. I had never requested to purchase the property. My request is therefore humbly withdrawn. As always, my family and I wish you well in your endeavors as you strive to consolidate and advance the gains made by successive Governments. Kind regards, H.E. JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA FORMER PRESIDENT, REPUBLIC OF GHANA H.E NANA ADDO DANKWA AKUFO-ADDO PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA Cc: Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Manhyia Palace Kumasi- Ghana By Isaac Essel |3news.com | Ghana]]>