Amend reliefs seeking to disqualify Mahama from 2024 race – SC to Ken Kuranchie

The Supreme Court has directed Ken Kuranchie, Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Searchlight newspaper, to modify two reliefs in his legal action.

The suit seeks to prevent former President and Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Dramani Mahama from contesting the 2024 presidential elections.

Mr Kuranchie’s lawsuit questions Mahama’s eligibility for re-election, particularly focusing on constitutional interpretations.

Among his requests, he seeks declarations regarding the duration of presidential terms, eligibility criteria for seeking a second presidential term and the qualifications of former presidents to run for office again.

When the case was called on Wednesday, May 8, Mr Kuranchie, also a private legal practitioner, sought permission to expand two of his reliefs.

He wants to incorporate additional constitutional provisions into his suit.

The reliefs he sought leave to expand are – “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.

And “a declaration that on a true and proper interpretation of Article 66 (1) and (2) of the 1992 Constitution, a second presidential term must be consecutive to the first term.”

This request was unopposed by all respondents – Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame; Tony Lithur, counsel for former President John Mahama; and Thaddeus Sory, counsel for the Speaker of Parliament.

The Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, then ordered Mr Kuranchie to amend his reliefs by May 10, 2024.