The Minority in Ghana’s Parliament is considering initiating impeachment proceedings against President John Dramani Mahama, citing a violation of Article 60 of the 1992 Constitution, which governs presidential succession.
The move follows rising tensions in Parliament after President Mahama traveled abroad while both the Vice President and Speaker of Parliament were unavailable, raising concerns of a constitutional vacuum.
Article 60 stipulates that in the absence of the President, power should temporarily pass to the Vice President, then to the Speaker, and finally to the Chief Justice — who is currently suspended, with an acting Chief Justice in place but no formal swearing-in for presidential duties conducted.
Opposition MPs from the New Patriotic Party argue that this creates a dangerous breach of constitutional protocol.
Speaking with the local media on Tuesday, Legal Counsel for the Minority, John Darko, accused the President of acting unilaterally:
Darko warned that impeachment could be triggered if such actions persist, stating the Minority “will not sit idly by while the Constitution is violated without consequences.” He also raised concerns that ignoring such constitutional breaches could set a precedent for more serious violations, including a possible attempt at a third presidential term.
According to Article 60(11) of the Constitution, in the simultaneous absence of both the President and Vice President, the Speaker of Parliament assumes presidential duties, after taking the presidential oath.
However, the Speaker’s absence, combined with the suspension of the Chief Justice and lack of clarity on the acting Chief Justice’s authority, forms the core of the Minority’s argument.
