Article 66 and 68 have ‘killed’ Mahama’s presidential ambition - Wontumi insists

As the debate surrounding the stance of the 1992 Constitution on former President Mahama, putting himself up for future election drags on, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, has made it clear the laws do not support his presidential ambition.

Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, has been vociferous on the matter ever since he indicated he is preparing to send the case to the Supreme Court for explanations.

In an interview with Peacefmonline.com, the NPP Chairman stated that his basic understanding of Article 66 as contained in the Constitution puts former President Mahama in a position that makes his future presidential ambition obscure.

“Mahama’s presidential ambition has been killed and buried by several articles in the 1992 Constitution. Since he rode on the ticket of the NDC to be President, he must know that he has completed his tenure as stipulated in the Constitution and can not come back for re-election on the ticket of the same party”, Chairman Wontumi said.

Mr. Antwi-Boasiako popularly known as Chairman Wontumi further explained that the matter of former President Mahama even gets complicated with the clauses contained in Article 68 of the Constitution.

According to him, the former President is currently enjoying the retirement benefits accorded to all living former Presidents, and for that reason, can’t take advantage of the clause knowing very well it doesn’t support his future presidential ambition.

Citing article 68 (3) and (4), Chairman Wontumi noted that the gratuity former President Mahama has taken home as prescribed by Parliament can not be taken for granted.

“Mahama can’t eat his cake and have it back. The rule doesn’t allow him to do that. If he is now a former President, he must accept that position in humility “, Chairman Wontumi advised.

Article 68 (3) and (4) respectively states that:

(3) The President shall receive such salary, allowances and facilities as may be prescribed by Parliament on the recommendations of the committee referred to in article 71 of this Constitution.

(4) On leaving office, the President shall receive a gratuity in addition to pension, equivalent to his salary and other allowances and facilities prescribed by Parliament in accordance with clause (3) of this article.