Akufo-Addo jets off to Bahamas, Switzerland
12th June 2024
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has embarked on a five-day working visit to the Bahamas and Switzerland.
He has, therefore, formally handed over the running of the country to Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, as required by law.
In a letter dated June 10, 2024, addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the President informed the legislature that he would be travelling to Nassau, Bahamas, on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, upon the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Hon. Philip E. David KC – MP, and Professor Benedict Rama, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Afro-Exim Bank, to participate in the 31st meeting of the bank scheduled for June 12 to 13, 2024.
"I will depart Nassau on Friday, June 14, 2024, for Switzerland at the invitation of the President of the Swiss Confederation, His Excellency Violo Amherd, to participate in the Summit on Peace in Ukraine from June 15 to 16, 2024," the letter further stated.
The President mentioned that while he is scheduled to return to Ghana on June 16, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in accordance with Article 60(8) of the 1992 Constitution, will act as President of the country.
"I will then return to Accra on June 16, 2024. During my absence, the Vice President, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in accordance with Article 60(8) of the Constitution, shall act in my stead," the letter from the presidency clarified.
The Vice President, who is the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the 2024 general elections, is currently on a campaign tour of the country.
Dr. Bawumia kicked off his campaign on Monday in the Ashanti Region, where he met with chiefs, party executives, and some youth to promote his campaign message.
Article 60(8) of Ghana's 1992 Constitution stipulates that "whenever the President is absent from Ghana or is for any other reason unable to perform the functions of his office, the Vice-President shall perform the functions of the President until the President returns or is able to perform his functions."