Which Lawyer will be Appointed as Head of Legal Affairs on the Transition Team?
President-elect John Mahama has announced that the transition team will be revealed by Wednesday, in his acceptance and acknowledgement speech delivered at the campaign office in Accra on Monday evening
As the nation awaits President-elect John Dramani Mahama’s official appointments under the Presidential (Transition) Act, 2012 (Act 845), speculation is rife about who will fill the critical position of Member Responsible for Legal Affairs on his Transition Team. This role, mandated by law to be appointed within 24 hours of the declaration of presidential election results, is pivotal in facilitating a smooth transition of power.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) boasts a wealth of legal luminaries including those from who have dedicated their professional lives to advancing the party's cause and supporting President Mahama’s vision. This also covers certain personalities who although not known party members have done considerable work for individuals within the party. Here’s a closer look at the potential candidates:
Tsatsu Tsikata
A revered legal titan and former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Tsatsu Tsikata has been a stalwart of the NDC legal team. Known for his brilliance in constitutional law, Tsikata led the NDC’s defense during the 2012 and 2024 Supreme Court election petition, showcasing his deep understanding of Ghana’s legal framework. An alumnus of the University of Ghana and Oxford University, Tsikata’s profound legal acumen and unwavering loyalty to the NDC make him a formidable candidate for this role.
Tony Lithur
Tony Lithur, a senior legal practitioner and founding partner of Lithur Brew & Company, is another strong contender. Lithur served as the lead counsel for John Mahama during the 2013 election petition case, where his masterful courtroom strategy helped secure victory for the NDC. A highly respected advocate, Lithur’s longstanding relationship with the party and the President and his vast experience in legal affairs position him as a natural choice.
Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong
As the former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice under President Mahama’s administration, Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong is a trailblazer in the legal field. A partner at Lithur Brew & Company, she played a key role in several high-profile cases involving the government. Appiah-Oppong has been a vocal advocate for legal reforms and accountability, earning her the respect of both the NDC and the legal community.
Dominic Akuritinga Ayine
Dr. Dominic Ayine, a legal academic and former Deputy Attorney-General, combines scholarly expertise with practical legal experience. A law lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr. Ayine has been instrumental in shaping the NDC’s legal policy. He has represented the party in various constitutional cases and is deeply aligned with the NDC’s values. His youthful energy and strategic thinking make him a compelling choice for the position.
Thaddeus Sory
Thaddeus Sory, a seasoned legal practitioner, has been at the forefront of defending the NDC in numerous court cases. Although not known as a member of the NDC, his legal skills have been employed for the benefit of key members of the Party. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and mastery of legal procedure, Sory has handled high-stakes litigation including representing the Speaker of Parliament. His experience in both private and public legal matters could bring a balanced perspective to the role.
Justice Srem-Sai
A rising star in legal academia and practice, Dr Srem-Sai is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana School of Law and a respected constitutional lawyer. Known for his incisive legal analyses and commitment to governance and social justice, Dr Srem-Sai represents a new generation of legal thinkers within the NDC. He has also represented the party and the President-elect in several matters in court.
