Former President, John Agyekum Kufuor, has emphasized the central role of the presidency in the country’s governance, asserting that “the President is the government, everyone else is just an advisor.”
Mr Kufuor made these comments during an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, where he discussed the structure of Ghana’s executive presidency and the responsibilities that come with it.
The remarks come in the wake of comments made by Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the current Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Dr Bawumia recently urged Ghanaians to vote for him in the upcoming election, promising that, with the mandate of the presidency, he would be able to implement policies that would drive the country’s development.
His plea for power was particularly aimed at addressing what he sees as a lack of progress during his tenure as Vice President, where, according to him, he could only offer advice but lacked the authority to enact change.
Kufuor’s statement underscores the notion that, in Ghana’s political system, the President holds the ultimate executive authority, with others in government, including the Vice President, serving in advisory roles.
He stressed that while Bawumia may have had good intentions and ideas, his capacity to effect change was limited by the position he held as Vice President, and only as President could he fully realise his vision for the country.
The former president also responded to critics who have blamed Bawumia for the current economic difficulties faced by Ghana, pointing out that the Vice President’s role has always been more about offering counsel to the President.
He reiterated that true power lies with the office of the President, and it is only through securing that position that one can enact substantial policies and reforms to improve the nation’s fortunes.
“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,” he stated.
