Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has underscored the structure of Ghana’s executive presidency, stating that the Vice President is merely an advisor to the President, who alone wields decision-making power.
According to Mr. Kufuor, the President embodies the government, and all others, including the Vice President, serve in advisory roles.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, he remarked, “I have been President before; in Ghana, the government is the President. Ours is an executive presidency. All other persons in government are only advisors including the Vice President.”
His comments come amid recent statements from Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who, as the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer, urged Ghanaians to vote him into the presidency, explaining that his ability to implement transformative policies has been limited as Vice President.
Mr. Kufuor’s remarks emphasize that executive power in Ghana resides solely with the President, limiting the Vice President’s role to offering counsel.
The former president also addressed criticisms directed at Dr. Bawumia for Ghana’s current economic challenges, noting that the Vice President’s advisory position does not equip him with the authority to enact policy. Kufuor reiterated that true power lies with the President, who alone can initiate substantial reforms to advance the country.