Audio By Carbonatix
Speaker of Parliament Edward Doe Adjaho, who is acting as president in the absence of both the President and his Vice has declined to be sworn-in to act in that capacity.
Per the country's constitution, the speaker is sworn into office to act as president any time the substantive president and his vice are out of the country.
President John Mahama is in Burkina Faso attempting to resolve the political crisis in the West African country.
His vice is also out of the jurisdiction making the Speaker the automatic choice as acting president.
Joy News' Parliamentary correspondent Elton John Brobbey reported Wednesday that the Chief Justice Georgina Woode was on the floor of Parliament in an attempt to swear-in the Speaker but Edward Doe Adjaho reportedly declined to take the oath with the explanation that he had already taken it on September 19, 2013 when the president and his vice were out of the country.
He argued that he was only a ceremonial president for now and the oath he swore a year ago should still be in force.
His position was supported by members of the house including those on the minority side.
After a brief meeting between the leadership of the House and the Chief Justice, it was decided that the Speaker's position would hold.
Georgina Woode therefore left the chamber without performing the duty for which she came.
Wednesday's development raises further controversy on the need for the Speaker to be sworn into office when the president and his vice are out of jurisdiction.
Some critics claim even if the president is out of the country, he is still acting as president wherever he goes and to have a speaker sworn-in as president means there will be two presidents acting in that capacity.
Meanwhile, the Sports Minister, Mahama Ayariga has also refused to answer a question about how much government spent on the botched 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
He would rather the presidential Commission investigating activities at the world cup be allowed to complete its investigation and present a report.
Latest Stories
-
Ghana troop deployment to Jamaica and Benin triggers constitutional dispute over executive power
23 minutes -
Ghana ends 2025 in 4th place in Africa with highest debt to IMF
27 minutes -
Rethinking Presidential Tenure in Ghana, 4 years or 5? – Interrogating the CRC Report
44 minutes -
Ghanaian youth leader Ebenezer Martey appointed as member-at-large of ACSA Board
1 hour -
Detty December: A National Emergency Disguised as Enjoyment
1 hour -
Clear Asokwa–Ahodwo corridor by January 4 or risk eviction – Kumasi Mayor warns traders
2 hours -
Nearly 4k shark fins seized at Kotoka Airport in major wildlife trafficking bust
2 hours -
One year on, NDC recounts its mandate and promises results in Christmas message
2 hours -
PUWU issues ultimatum over illegal takeover of Ghana Water lands in Ashanti Region
2 hours -
No room for excuses – NDC vows to deliver fully on people’s mandate
2 hours -
GUTA calls for stronger enforcement to protect local retail trade
2 hours -
MTN Y’ello Ladies Network donates GH₵200K to Korle Bu Breast Cancer Unit, Breast Care International
2 hours -
Ghana Water Ltd assures public of improved supply during Christmas, New Year festivities
2 hours -
Youth must be critical consumers of political communication – Dr. Adutwum
2 hours -
Minerals Commission, Chamber of Mines call for responsible partnership as Ghana-China mining ties deepen
2 hours
