Following the departure of the sitting President, John Dramani Mahama to Germany for the Munich Security Conference, Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has assumed the role of Acting President of the Republic of Ghana.

The elevation of the vice president into acting presidential capacity is due to a provision in the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.

Article 60 of the 1992 Constitution details the roles of the vice president and his or her succession to the presidency.

Clauses six(6) and eight(8) outline the specific conditions under which the vice president can become the president.

Clause six (6) states "Whenever the President dies, resigns or is removed from office, the Vice-President shall assume office as President for the unexpired term of office of the President with effect from the date of the death, resignation or removal of the President."

Clause six is the part of the constitution that was activated when then President John Evans Atta Mills died in 2012.

Clause eight deals with the specific case of the president not being in the country.

It states "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."

This is the clause where Professor Opoku-Agyemang derives legitimacy as the current acting President of Ghana.



More on President Mahama's trip


President Mahama left the country on February 12, 2025, and is expected to return on Monday, February 17.

He will also attend the African Union (AU) Conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia as part of his official assignment.

Speaking to the press before the President’s departure at the Jubilee Lounge of Kotoka International Airport in Accra on February 12, 2025, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Presidential Spokesman and Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, stated that President Mahama is the Chairman of the Tana Forum, a security think tank focused on developing strategies to enhance African security.

He emphasized that in today’s rapidly evolving geopolitical environment, where security is a top priority, it is crucial for prominent African leaders to contribute to discussions on the subject.

President Mahama is scheduled to participate in the opening session of the Munich Security Conference.

While in Munich, he will hold bilateral discussions with several world leaders and organizations on a range of issues, primarily focused on strengthening Ghana’s international partnerships.

Additionally, he will speak at a side event organized by the Tana Forum.

"As Chair, he will outline his vision and perspectives on the emerging security challenges facing the continent and beyond," Kwakye Ofosu stated during the press briefing.

AM/KA