Top journalist sues former President Mahama.
The Supreme Court has granted a request by journalist and private legal practitioner Kenneth Kuranchie, to revise two of his claims in a lawsuit in which he’s seeking a declaration that former President Mahama’s attempt at running in the 2024 Presidential elections is unconstitutional.
His suit was dismissed in November 2023 following some technical errors in his applications.
One of Kuranchie’s requests is a declaration based on Article 66 (1) of the 1992 Constitution, which specifies a presidential term as four years.
During the court hearing on Wednesday, May 8, Kuranchie, who’s also the Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Searchlight Newspaper, sought permission to expand and enhance two of his reliefs by incorporating additional constitutional provisions.
Joined to the suit are former President John Agyekum Kufuor and the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin.
His request for amendment was not opposed to by the respondents in the suits, Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame, Counsel for former President John Mahama Tony Lithur, and Lawyer for the Speaker of Parliament, Thaddeus Sory.
The 7-member panel of Justices presided over by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo ordered Mr Kuranchie to amend his documents by May 10, 2024.
Reliefs being sought by Ken Kuranchie include:
“A declaration that on a true and proper interpretation of Article 66 (1) and (2) of the 1992 Constitution, a person seeking a second presidential term must be a sitting president.
“A declaration that on a true and proper interpretation of Article 62 of the 1992 Constitution, a former President of Ghana is not qualified to seek election as President of Ghana.”
He also wants the Supreme court to stop Mr. Mahama from vying for president.
Again, Mr Kuranchie is urging the apex court to direct the NDC Flagbearer to fully disclose to Parliament the term of his engagement.
