Seasoned journalist and political commentator, Kwesi Pratt Jnr., has challenged the relevance of parts of Ghana's 1992 Constitution in today's technologically advanced era, arguing that physical presence should no longer be a determining factor in presidential duties.
Speaking on Metro TV, Pratt asserted that President John Mahama, like any modern leader, can effectively run the country from any corner of Ghana-or even beyond-thanks to advancements in communication technology. "President Mahama can be in Kosum Kaya and still govern this country," Pratt said. "With Zoom, WhatsApp, and other digital platforms, the business of state can proceed without the president having to be physically in Accra." Pratt's remarks come amid ongoing national debate over who is constitutionally mandated to act in the president's absence.
But for him, the real issue is not succession-it is the outdated assumptions embedded in the constitution, drafted at a time when even placing an international phone call required a trip to a central post office and hours of waiting. "This constitution was written when we had to book calls to London.
That's the era it belongs to," he said, lamenting how legal frameworks have failed to keep pace with the times.
