Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Andreas Kamasah
Published on 2024-02-08 15:32:43
In a recent address outlining his vision for the country if elected president in December’s election, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President of Ghana, made a bold analogy by likening himself to a driver’s mate who lacks control over the steering wheel. He expressed a desire to transition from this subordinate role to becoming the driver, effectively assuming control of Ghana’s governance. Bawumia stated, “As Vice-President, I am like a driver’s mate. But if, by the Grace of God, you make me President, I will be in the driver’s seat with constitutionally mandated authority to pursue my vision and my priorities.”
He went on to emphasize that the initial conditions that they inherited in 2017 are not the same as they will be in 2025, and therefore, his priorities as president would be different, seeking to build upon the commendable feats achieved during the previous years. However, this analogy has sparked a debate, with many Ghanaians questioning Bawumia’s attempt to absolve himself of the economic challenges faced by the country.
One of the critics, lawyer Srem-Sai, disagreed with Bawumia’s analogy, asserting that the Vice President failed to understand the extent of his mandate and the powers vested in him by the constitution. He argued that Bawumia was actually the “second driver” and not just a driver’s mate, stating that Bawumia failed to utilize his role effectively for the country’s benefit. He pointed out that Bawumia has been an integral part of the Akufo Addo government for over seven years, serving as the head of the economic management team, and therefore, cannot dissociate himself from the economic challenges faced by the country.
Srem-Sai highlighted the fact that the Vice President of Ghana is constitutionally mandated to act as President in the absence of the President and has the same qualification requirements as the President. He also noted that the President has no authority to dismiss his Vice President, unlike a driver who can dismiss his mate and replace him at any time. Bawumia’s analogy has undoubtedly ignited a spirited debate among Ghanaians, with many questioning his understanding and utilization of his constitutional role as Vice President.
It is clear that Bawumia’s analogy has struck a chord with the public and has raised important questions about the extent of his authority and influence as Vice President. While Bawumia expressed a desire to transition from his current role to that of the driver in control, his critics argue that he has been overlooking the powers and responsibilities that come with being the Vice President of Ghana.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how Bawumia will address the concerns raised by his critics and clarify his stance on his constitutional role as Vice President and his vision for the country if elected president in the upcoming election. The analogy has undoubtedly sparked an important dialogue about the powers and responsibilities of the Vice President of Ghana and their impact on the country’s governance and development.
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