In a surprise move, Dr. Hassan Ayariga, leader of the All People’s Congress (APC) party, has sparked a national debate by calling for a constitutional instrument (CI) to mandate the resignation of a sitting Vice President who seeks to run for president.
Dr. Ayariga’s proposal, made in a statement released yesterday, argues that a Vice President’s dual role would compromise their position and create an unfair advantage in the electoral process.
The APC leader specifically cited Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who is rumored to be eyeing the presidency, as an example of why this reform is necessary.
“The current situation creates a conflict of interest, where the Vice President can utilize government resources and state funds to further their presidential ambitions,” Dr. Ayariga explained.
This undermines the integrity of our electoral process and creates an uneven playing field for other candidates.
Dr. Ayariga’s call for reform has sparked a heated debate among political analysts, legal experts, and citizens.
While some argue that the proposal is necessary to prevent abuse of power, others claim it is an attempt to discredit Vice President Bawumia’s potential presidential bid.
The APC leader’s proposal has also raised questions about the feasibility of implementing such a reform. Constitutional experts argue that amending the constitution to include this provision would require a broad consensus among political parties and stakeholders.
As the debate rages on, Ghanaians are left wondering about the implications of Dr. Ayariga’s proposal on the country’s political landscape.
Will this call for reform spark meaningful change, or is it a mere political maneuver? Only time will tell.
By Kwame Asare
