Ms Akua Sena Dansua, Minister for Tourism, said preparation towards the inauguration of President John Dramani Mahama on January 7 is progressing according to the scheduled plan.

“We have learnt some lessons from previous inaugural challenges, especially during the late President John Evans Ata Mills’ inauguration where there was limited time to prepare”, she said.

Ms Dansua said these at the independence square, when the GNA visited the place to ascertain preparations so far made towards the swearing in of President Mahama on January 7.

She said the Transitional Team had enough time to operate and to take the necessary measures to ensure that the ceremony, being a national character, is well organised.

At the ceremonial grounds, GNA noticed that security personnel and other workers were busily erecting podia with others setting the barricades at the entrance to ensure maximum protection.

Ms Dansua said the site would be properly demarcated to accommodate all invited dignitaries, including traditional rulers, Members of Parliament, security forces, media practitioners, Heads of State, political leaders and cross section of the public.

She appealed to the public to cooperate with the security services for a successful inaugural ceremony, and also appealed to the public to bear with organisers of the programme, a few challenges that might occur.

Dr Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, Chairman of the Electoral Commission, on December 9, declared President John Dramani Mahama, candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), winner of the December 7 polls.

President Mahama polled 50.70 per cent of the valid votes cast as against Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who had 47.74 per cent.

In the parliamentary election, the NDC won 148 seats, the NPP 122 seats, the People’s National Convention (PNC), one seat, while four independent candidates were also elected.

Both local and international observer groups have said the elections were free, fair and peaceful.