- Minority slams Mahama-led administration for violating Article 60 of the 1992 Constitution
- President, Vice President, and Speaker all absent without swearing in an Acting President
- Chief Justice, next in line, is currently suspended—raising alarm over power vacuum
The Minority in Parliament has strongly criticized the Mahama-led administration, accusing it of violating the 1992 Constitution following the simultaneous absence of key national leaders without appointing an Acting President.
In a statement released by the Minority, concerns were raised over the absence from the country of President John Mahama, Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, and Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin—all without the formal swearing-in of an Acting President as required under Article 60 of the Constitution.
“This is a flagrant and serious violation of Article 60 of the 1992 Constitution,” the statement said, citing the Asare v. Attorney General case, which emphasized that the Republic must never be left without a constitutionally designated head of state.
The Minority further accused the administration of acting deliberately and with disregard for constitutional obligations.
“This is not just a breach—it is a calculated and unconstitutional act. The Mahama administration continues to treat the Constitution more as an obstacle than as a guiding legal framework,” the statement read.
The constitutional provision mandates that in the absence of the President, Vice President, and Speaker of Parliament, the Chief Justice assumes presidential responsibilities. However, with Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo currently suspended, the Minority described the situation as a “dangerous power vacuum.”
The statement—signed by Suame MP and Minority legal adviser, John Darko—warned that this disregard for the Constitution threatens the foundations of Ghana’s democratic governance.
“They act with impunity, believing the Judiciary has been weakened to the point of inaction,” the Minority stated, adding that ongoing government actions have undermined the independence of the judiciary.
“They have launched both open and subtle attacks on the Judiciary and the Chief Justice, creating a climate of fear and weakening the rule of law,” the statement continued.
Concluding, the Minority vowed to resist and expose such constitutional violations, stating:
“Where necessary, we will invoke all relevant legal provisions to ensure that these breaches do not go unpunished.”
