Ghana's president-elect, John Kufuor, and representatives of the outgoing government have begun a series of meetings aimed at ensuring a smooth handover of power next week, political sources said on Tuesday.

They said a meeting of a transition committee was held on Monday, co-chaired by Kufuor and the man he defeated in the December 28 election, current Vice-President John Atta Mills.

The atmosphere was described as "warm and businesslike."

Kufuor will be sworn in on Sunday when President Jerry Rawlings steps down after 19 years in power.