Ken Kuranchie Takes Legal Action Against Mahama’s Presidential Ambitions
Veteran journalist Ken Kuranchie has filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court aimed at preventing former President John Dramani Mahama from contesting in the 2024 general elections. The editor-in-chief of the Daily Searchlight is challenging the eligibility of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer to seek another term as president.
In his suit, Kuranchie is seeking several declarations based on the interpretation of the 1992 Constitution. Firstly, he is requesting a declaration that the presidential term duration is unequivocally four years, as stated in Article 66 (1). Furthermore, he argues that a person seeking a second presidential term must be a sitting president, as per Article 66 (1) and (2). Finally, he seeks a declaration that a former President of Ghana is ineligible to run for the presidency, according to Article 62.
Joined to the lawsuit are former President John Agyekum Kufuor and the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin. Kuranchie wants the court to compel the Speaker of Parliament to invoke and implement Article 68 (2) of the Constitution. Additionally, he seeks an order from the court to halt Mahama’s pursuit of the presidency.
This legal action has the potential to shape the political landscape leading up to the 2024 elections in Ghana. It highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the interpretation of constitutional provisions and the eligibility of former presidents to run for office. The Supreme Court’s ruling on this matter will have far-reaching implications and could set a precedent for future electoral processes in the country.