Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has assumed presidential duties following the absence of President Akufo-Addo.
President Akufo-Addo is scheduled to attend the Munich Security Conference in Germany and subsequently the 37th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
In a recent announcement from the Jubilee House, the official residence and office of the President of Ghana, it has been revealed that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will be assuming the duties of the presidency in the absence of President Nana Akufo-Addo.
The announcement, made via President Akufo-Addo’s official Facebook page on February 14, informed the public about the President’s itinerary and the subsequent constitutional delegation of authority to Vice President Bawumia. According to the post, President Akufo-Addo is expected to return to Ghana on Sunday, February 18, 2024.
The Munich Security Conference, renowned as a significant platform for global discussions on security policy, will see President Akufo-Addo’s participation aimed at reinforcing the rules-based international order and countering revisionist tendencies.
This year’s conference holds particular significance as it commemorates its 60th anniversary. The President will be accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, and high-ranking officials including the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, MP.
Following his engagements in Germany, President Akufo-Addo will proceed to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to attend the 37th AU Summit. The summit, themed “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa,” will gather heads of state to deliberate on crucial issues facing the continent.
President Akufo-Addo’s agenda includes hosting Member States of the Commission to discuss education and the AU Financial Institutions, as well as providing an update on Ghana’s role as host of the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
In line with constitutional provisions under Article 60(8), Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will act as President during President Akufo-Addo’s absence, ensuring continuity of governance and decision-making processes.
The presidency’s announcement underscores Ghana’s commitment to active participation in international fora, as well as its dedication to advancing regional and global cooperation for peace, security, and development.
As the nation awaits the President’s return, Vice President Bawumia’s stewardship during this period is anticipated to maintain the momentum of progress and uphold the nation’s interests on the domestic and international fronts.