No one can block Mahama’s constitutional duty – Dr. Ayine fires back

Legal tensions are intensifying over President John Mahama’s move to consult on the appointment of a new Chief Justice, with his lawyer, Dr. Dominic Ayine, pushing back against efforts by former Attorney General Godfred Dame to halt the process.

Speaking to journalists after court proceedings, Dr. Ayine—who represents President Mahama in the matter—stated emphatically that Mahama is merely fulfilling a constitutional obligation, which cannot be obstructed by anyone, not even the former Attorney General.

“For me, I don’t see the point he’s trying to make by saying the President must hold on to the process of consultation,” he said. “This is the performance of a constitutional duty. And the law is very clear—you cannot enjoin the performance of a constitutional or public obligation.”

Godfred Dame has filed an application asking the court to stop Mahama from continuing the consultations until a pending case before the Supreme Court is resolved. But Dr. Ayine dismissed the move as premature.

“The court is yet to make an order,” he explained. “So if he says the President must hold on, is he saying the court has already granted an order to that effect?”

While Dr. Ayine declined to disclose whether he had advised Mahama on the next steps, he made it clear that he would not offer such guidance publicly. “The President and the Republic are my clients, and I will not advise my client publicly,” he said.

The case, which has now been adjourned to May 6 due to the absence of one of the Supreme Court panel members, is shaping up to be a critical test of constitutional boundaries—particularly around presidential powers during transitional periods.