This is John Dramani Mahama's fourth attempt to become president of Ghana, and once more, he is as optimistic about his chances.He's the republic's immediate past president, but he only served one full term, so he's doing everything in his power to get back to the top spot.
It has also been suggested that this is John Mahama's delayed Second Coming, and if this attempt to unseat Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo succeeds, he will be well on his way to fulfilling perhaps his greatest life ambition.
There is a lot that can be said about whether or not that is a possibility, but what does the constitution of Ghana from 1992 say about such a return to the presidency? First and foremost, Article 66 of the Ghanaian constitution specifies the qualifications, responsibilities, and duties of the president.
It is also important to note that John Dramani Mahama not only served as president for a brief period of time but also served as vice president before ascending to the presidency following the death of his predecessor, John Evans Atta Mills.
As a result, he was required to complete the late president's term for six months before beginning his full first term. So, what specifically does the constitution say about who can be president, and what options does John Mahama have for his so-called "second coming"?
Article 66: The President's Term of Office (1) Subject to clause (3), the person elected as President will serve for a period of four years from the day he is sworn in as President.
(2) No one is allowed to be elected President of Ghana for more than two terms.
(3) At the end of the time specified in paragraph (1) of this article, the position of President becomes vacant: (a) or (b) if, in accordance with Article 69 of this Constitution, the incumbent dies, resigns, or ceases to hold office.
(4) The President may resign from his position as President by writing to the Speaker of Parliament and signing it.
As a result, Mahama is entitled to run for president again, but he can only do so for a second full four-year term.
John Dramani Mahama's attempt to become the NDC's flagbearer once more is being challenged by three others in the meantime: Former Finance Minister Dr. Kwabena Duffuor Kumasi's former Mayor, Kojo Bonsu; and British businessman Ernest Kobeah.A date for the NDC's flagbearer's election has not yet been announced.
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