Private legal practitioner and veteran politician, Captain Nkrabea Effah Dartey, has demanded a public apology from President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, and Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin for what he describes as a constitutional breach.
According to Captain Effah Dartey, the simultaneous absence of both the President and Vice President has created a power vacuum that undermines the country’s constitutional order.
He called the situation “improper and an abuse of the constitution,” insisting that the nation deserves an explanation and apology from the three top officials.
He proposed a constitutional amendment to prevent such occurrences in the future. He recommended that the constitution be revised to include a provision allowing the Speaker of Parliament to automatically assume the role of Acting President in the absence of both the President and Vice President, without requiring a formal swearing-in ceremony.
His comments follow a Facebook post by President Mahama on Sunday, May 11, in which he mentioned visiting Vice President Opoku-Agyemang, who is reportedly recovering from an illness and on a short break. The President assured Ghanaians that she would soon resume her official duties.
Nonetheless, Captain Effah Dartey maintained that until the constitutional gap is addressed, the current situation remains unacceptable. He emphasized the need for swift corrective action, particularly if President Mahama continues to stay outside the country.
