Is the acting CJ in Ghana? – Edudzi Tamakloe quizzes minority over presidency vacuum

The Acting Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, questioned the minority in parliament. He asked if Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie is currently in Ghana.

The NPP accused President John Mahama of a serious constitutional breach. They claim this has left the country without an acting President. The minority argues that Mahama violated the 1992 Constitution. This happened when the President, Vice President, and Speaker of Parliament were all abroad without an Acting President sworn in.

They pointed out that all three top officials were out of the country at once. Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyeman was in the UK for medical treatment. President Mahama attended the African Union Debt Conference in Togo. Speaker Alban Bagbin was also outside Ghana.

With all three officials unavailable, Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo is on suspension and cannot step in. However, Edudzi Tamakloe rejected claims of a constitutional power vacuum. He stated that Ghana’s government structure is functioning as intended.

Speaking on Face to Face on Channel One TV, he clarified his position. He noted there are three branches of government: Judiciary, Executive, and Legislature. He asked if there is an Acting CJ in Ghana and confirmed there is one.

Tamakloe emphasized that there is no power vacuum and suggested that the President is still in Ghana.

Meanwhile, the Minority in Parliament is considering impeachment proceedings against President Mahama. In an interview with Joy News, MP John Darko expressed concerns about Mahama's actions.

He stated that Ghanaians must fight against this presidential act. Darko explained that when Mahama traveled, he knew it would create a constitutional vacuum.

He criticized Mahama for acting as if he could do whatever he wanted without consequences. Darko insisted they will not allow violations of their Constitution to go unchallenged and will consider impeachment if necessary.