The New Patriotic Party has mounted a legal challenge at the Supreme Court seeking a definitive interpretation of presidential term limits under the 1992 Constitution.
In a writ filed at the apex court registry by lawyer Godfred Yeboah Dame, the party is asking the court to declare that the constitutional limit of two four-year terms applies to a President regardless of whether those terms are served consecutively or non-consecutively.
The suit, filed against the Attorney-General, invokes the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court to settle key ambiguities surrounding executive tenure. The NPP argues that a proper interpretation of Articles 58(2) and 66 of the Constitution restricts any individual to a cumulative maximum of eight years in office.
According to the statement of case, the party is also seeking clarity on Vice Presidents who assume the presidency. The writ demands a declaration that any Vice President who serves more than half of an unexpired presidential term should only be eligible to contest for one additional full term in office.
Supported by an affidavit sworn by NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the party maintains that the action is aimed at safeguarding democratic principles and preventing a return to constitutional instability. The plaintiff advocates a modern purposive approach to constitutional interpretation to prevent chaos and preserve the nation’s democratic governance.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
