Former President John Mahama has denied reports that Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is stranded as a result of the former’s decision to maintain his official residence, which has been reserved for vice presidents.
President Mahama before exiting office Saturday, wrote though his Chief of Staff on December 19, 2016 to request to “have Bungalow No.3, Prestige Link, Cantonments, Accra and its adjoining facilities as his official retirement home.”
The residence, originally a property of COCOBOD, was being used by the late vice president, Aliu Mahama and later by President Mahama when he became vice president. He, however, maintained the residence even after becoming the president of Ghana.
Reports surfaced after the investiture of President Akufo-Addo and his vice saturday that Dr Bawumia was stranded because President Mahama has declined to vacate the residence he officially occupied during his presidency.
But Spokesperson to President Mahama, Dr Omane Boamah issued a statement to deny the claims Dr Bawumia is stranded.
“The claims that Vice President Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia is stranded and has nowhere to stay, is mischievous and deliberately intended to embarrass President Mahama,” the statement said.
It explained that Dr Bawumia “is expected to take up residence in the House known as Australia House, which was previously occupied by former Vice President Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur” as his temporary residence
The statement said a “permanent residence for the Vice President is currently under construction off the Switchback road,” which upon completion, Dr Bawumia will move in.
Although Parliament approved 40 per cent of his GH¢22,809 salary as against being given a fully furnished house in Accra and another in another location outside Accra, former President Mahama said his decision to maintain the residence was communicated to the Akufo-Addo administration, noting it was based on the principle of “his retirement”.
“The Sixth Parliament of the 4th Republic before its dissolution, also resolved that residential and office accommodation should be provided to the outgoing President, HE John Dramani Mahama in line with convention and existing precedent,” it added.