Your Excellencies, Mahama and Bawumia,
As I indicated in my first “epistle” to you regarding your choice of a running mate, I will be sending you a series of letters by way of reminder as to who the cap best fits. I forgot in that earlier letter to indicate to you that the person you are considering should have a “presidential face, walk “presidentially, talks “presidentially” and do everything “presidential” (Don’t mind me; I am always like that.)
But on a more serious note, may I remind you the that the constitution, though does not provide the requirements for the choice of a vice president, in black and white, the position, in terms of hierarchy and functions, paints a picture of the person fit for that position.
Article 57 (2) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana explicitly outlines the order of precedence in our nation. It emphasizes that the President shall take precedence over all other persons in Ghana, and subsequently, the Vice-President, the Speaker of Parliament, and the Chief Justice, shall take precedence over all other persons in Ghana.
“The President shall take precedence over all other persons in Ghana, and subsequently, the Vice-President, the Speaker of Parliament, and the Chief Justice, shall take precedence over all other persons in Ghana”
This constitutional provision underscores the significance of the Vice-President’s role as the second-highest-ranking official in the country. The person occupying this esteemed position must be chosen with careful consideration and a profound understanding of the responsibilities that come with it.
Given that the Vice-President takes precedence after the President, it is imperative to select an individual who not only possesses the necessary skills and qualifications but also exhibits the qualities of statesmanship and a deep commitment to the service of the nation.
“…it is imperative to select an individual who not only possesses the necessary skills and qualifications but also exhibits the qualities of statesmanship and a deep commitment to the service of the nation”.
The Vice-President serves as the second-in-command and, in the absence of the President, assumes a leadership role that demands wisdom, sound judgment, and an unwavering dedication to the welfare of the Ghanaian people.
In making this critical decision, it is recommended to assess potential candidates based on the following criteria:
Firstly, a candidate with a proven track record of leadership in public service or other relevant sectors will be better equipped to fulfill the responsibilities of the Vice-President.
Secondly, the Vice-President must be a person of high moral standing, integrity, and ethical conduct, as they play a pivotal role in upholding the values of our democracy.
Ghana’s diversity is its strength, and the Vice-President should be someone capable of fostering unity among the citizenry, irrespective of political, ethnic, or social differences.
Finally, and importantly, the would- be Vice President should have a deep understanding of the constitutional duties and powers of the Vice-President. This is essential to ensure effective collaboration with the President and other state institutions.
I urge you, as you engage in the process of selecting your running mates, to bear in mind the weight of this constitutional provision and its implications for the future of our nation. The individual chosen to be Vice-President will not only be your running mate but a key figure in the leadership hierarchy of Ghana.
May your decisions be guided by the principles of democracy, transparency, and a shared commitment to the prosperity of our beloved nation.
Until you receive my next reminder, may you enjoy the rest of the time.
Sincerely,
TWENEBOA-KODUAH DICKSON, Esq
A Political watcher
P.S. Regards to your spouses whose offices will be inundated with lobbyist around this time. You may share this letter with them. Thanks.