Member of Parliament for Suame, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has stated the Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia can currently only give advice and not make decisions.
The former Majority Leader was addressing a press conference on Wednesday to share insights into the NPP’s 2024 manifesto.
The comments of the NPP manifesto committee chairman follow criticisms over Dr Bawumia’s promise to abolish certain policies introduced by the current government.
Some Ghanaians have questioned why the Vice President has decided to implement those policies when elected as President on December 7 when he can do it now while his party is still in power.
But Mr Kyei-Mensah has clarified that the executive authority in Ghana is vested in the President alone.
“The Vice President is an adviser to the president, he’s the prime adviser. It doesn’t mean that whatever is proposed by the Vice President should be taken by the president because as I said, the executive authority is in one person,” he said.
He cited past Presidents who introduced new manifestos despite continuing a tenure highlighting that circumstances and societal needs change over time.
“President Rawlings succeeded himself in 1996. Did he have the same manifesto as he had in 1992? The 1996 manifesto of the NDC was significantly different from the 1992 even though Rawlings succeeded himself.
“President Kufour succeeded himself, the second stanza of his administration, the manifesto was marketed differently because society is dynamic. President Mahama, when he succeeded President Mills, didn’t have the same manifesto, he didn’t repeat the same manifesto because circumstances have changed. This should be obvious. Executive authority in this country is vested in one person,” he stated.
He emphasised that Dr. Bawumia’s promises to abolish policies such as the electronic levy, betting tax, and reintroduce road tolls are part of the NPP’s 2024 manifesto and not a reflection of his current powers as Vice President.
Source: Adomonline.com
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