Robert Roy Reindolf has announced his withdrawal from Ghana’s 2024 presidential election as an independent candidate. In a statement released today, Reindolf expressed deep concerns about the legitimacy of the election, citing the 1992 Constitution as the primary reason for his decision.
Reindolf emphasized that his “God-given conscience” and “right thinking” could not allow him to continue his candidacy under a constitution that he believes is fundamentally flawed. He recalled how key figures in Ghanaian politics, including former Presidents John Kufuor and Nana Akufo-Addo, strongly opposed the 1992 Constitution during the rule of former President Jerry John Rawlings. Despite their criticisms, both Kufuor and Akufo-Addo ruled under the same constitution without amending it.
Reindolf pointed out that the late President John Evans Atta Mills initiated the process of amending the constitution, describing it as “blood-stained” due to its association with Rawlings, but the effort was abandoned after Mills’ untimely death. His successor, John Mahama, also failed to address the constitutional issues during his presidency, as did Akufo-Addo, who once opposed the constitution but has governed under it for two terms.
Given these unresolved issues, Reindolf argued that it is unacceptable to hold another election under the same “faulty” constitution. He called for immediate redresses, including the impeachment and removal of President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, citing the president’s recent threats of not handing over power as unconstitutional and a danger to Ghana’s peace and stability.
Reindolf proposed that a transitional government led by the Speaker of Parliament, with the involvement of all stakeholders, should oversee the amendment of the 1992 Constitution. He suggested that the 2024 election be postponed to allow time for the necessary constitutional reforms, ensuring that the next election is conducted under a “purified” and amended constitution, safeguarding Ghana’s security and stability.
In conclusion, Reindolf’s decision to withdraw from the race is rooted in his belief that Ghana must be saved from the dangers posed by the current constitution and the looming 2024 election, which he fears could lead the nation into turmoil.
Source:dailydemocratnewsonline.com