Minority raises alarm over alleged constitutional breach in absence of Ghana’s top three leaders

The Minority Caucus in Parliament has sounded the alarm over what it describes as a grave constitutional violation, following the absence of President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, and Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin from the country—without the swearing-in of an Acting President.

In a statement issued on Monday, 12 May, the Minority called the situation “alarming and unconstitutional”, warning that Ghana is currently without a constitutionally mandated Head of State.

According to Article 60 of the 1992 Constitution, when both the President and Vice President are unavailable, the Speaker of Parliament must be sworn in to act as President.

However, President Mahama is currently in Togo attending the African Union Debt Conference, Vice President Opoku-Agyemang is reportedly in the United Kingdom receiving medical attention, and Speaker Bagbin has been out of the country since 8 May.

“There is no evidence that any constitutional measures have been taken to designate an Acting President,” the statement noted, raising concerns over what the caucus describes as a “constitutional vacuum”.

The situation is further complicated by the ongoing suspension of the Chief Justice, the only official with the legal authority to administer the presidential oath of office. The Minority contends that this renders any late attempt at remedying the situation legally impossible at this time.

“This lapse is not just an administrative oversight—it is a fundamental breach of the Constitution,” the Minority asserted, calling for urgent accountability and clarity from the Presidency.