Member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Arthur Kobina Kennedy, has downplayed claims that President John Mahama intends to seek a third term.
In an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Dr. Kennedy dismissed the claim as mere political talk.
Dr. Kennedy’s remarks come in the wake of widespread criticism over President Mahama’s recommendation of seven Court of Appeal justices for nomination to the Supreme Court.
According to the NPP, the nominations—following the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo—form part of a veiled attempt to pursue a third-term agenda.
However, Dr. Kennedy has said it is unfortunate for the two issues to be politicised or conflated.
“Petitions were brought against the Chief Justice, and in accordance with Article 146, the President forwarded them to the Council of State, which I believe is a wise move,” he said.
He further emphasized that suspending the Chief Justice was the right move, as she could not have presided over her own case due to a clear conflict of interest.
Dr. Kennedy noted that while judicial independence is essential, it should not come at the expense of accountability.
“So if petitions have been brought against the Chief Justice, she must respond, but that does not mean she is guilty. We must ensure there is due process by allowing the system to work,” he urged.
Meanwhile, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Deputy General Secretary, Mustapha Gbande, has described the claims as a tactic to divert attention from the constitutionally sanctioned suspension of the Chief Justice, warning that such political games risk damaging institutions far beyond the NDC or Mahama.
Listen to Dr. Kennedy in the audio above:
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