The former Minister of local Government under the Kuffour Administration, Hon. Kwadwo Adjei Darko says the Electoral Commission has no control to withdraw the bill on referendum and as such those accusing the President of any illegal actions should be wary of their claims.
In an interview with Kwame Afrifa Mensah on Happy FM’s ‘Epa Hoa Daben’ show, he explained that the President had every right to withdraw the bill on the amendment of an entrenched provision in the constitution since he proposed for the amendment in the first place.
“A bill that amends a constitutional provision needs to be done in a special way. Unlike other bills that are read in parliament and passed on to a committee, the amendment of a provision is considered by the council of state as its committee. After, this comes under the consideration of the whole country through a referendum. At this point, the Electoral Commission becomes the body that oversees the process rather than control the process”, he clarified.
He added that the Supreme Court was the final interpreter of the law and as such anyone who had difficulty in interpreting the law should proceed to the Supreme Court for clarification.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on 1st December called off the the December 17 referendum stating that there was an absence of national consensus amongst key stakeholders and the populace.
By: Alberta Dorcas N D Armah