Minority in Parliament Challenges Presidential Appointments Over Alleged Constitutional Breaches

The Minority in Parliament has expressed concerns over recent appointments by President John Dramani Mahama, alleging violations of constitutional and statutory provisions. They have called for urgent corrective measures to ensure compliance with the law.

Appointments in Question

A letter from the Office of the President, dated January 21, 2025, announced the following appointments:

• Joyce Bawa Mogtari – Presidential Adviser and Special Aide to the President
• Stanislav Xoese Dogbe – Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations)
• Nana Oye Bampoe Addo – Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration)
• Seth Emmanuel Terkper – Presidential Adviser on the Economy
• Professor Francis Dodoo – Presidential Adviser on the National Anti-Corruption Programme
• Larry Gbevlo-Lartey – Special Envoy to the Alliance of Sahelian States

Concerns Raised by the Minority

1. Consultation with the Council of State

The Minority claims that the appointments breach the Presidential Office Act, 1993 (Act 463), which requires consultation with the Council of State before appointing staff to the Office of the President.

Patrick Yaw Boamah, the Minority Spokesperson and MP for Okaikwei Central, emphasized that the absence of a constituted Council of State makes the appointments unconstitutional. He stated, “The President should have clarified that these appointments are pending the Council’s composition. Without this, the appointments are in clear breach of the law.”

The Minority has urged the President to withdraw the appointments and reissue them once the Council of State is in place.

2. Appointment of Cabinet Secretary

The appointment of Professor Kwaku Danso-Boafo as Cabinet Secretary has also come under scrutiny. The Minority cited Article 76(3) of the Constitution, which requires that the role of the Cabinet Secretary be clearly defined and communicated separately.

While not opposing the nominee, the Minority insisted that the process adhere strictly to constitutional provisions.

3. Foreign Policy Concerns

The appointment of Larry Gbevlo-Lartey as Special Envoy to the Alliance of Sahelian States has been described by the Minority as a significant shift in Ghana’s foreign policy.

They questioned Ghana’s position on the Sahelian states, particularly given their withdrawal from ECOWAS and ongoing tensions between the bloc and those nations.

Patrick Yaw Boamah noted, “Ghana’s longstanding non-aligned foreign policy must remain consistent. This sudden change needs clarification to avoid jeopardizing bilateral and multilateral relations, especially with partners critical of military-led governments in the Sahel.”

Call for Transparency and Adherence to Protocols

The Minority has urged the government to provide detailed explanations for these decisions and to ensure adherence to constitutional requirements. They emphasized the importance of maintaining Ghana’s reputation on the international stage while safeguarding the country’s democratic principles.

This development highlights the need for increased oversight and transparency in governmental appointments, particularly as President Mahama’s administration continues to take shape.