The Speaker of Parliament, Edward Doe Adjaho, will act as President of the Republic of Ghana on Thursday, 19 September 2013.

Mr. Doe Adjaho is likely to be sworn in by the Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Wood following the departure of President Mahama to attend the investiture of the newly elected Malian President, Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta.

Vice President Kwesi Amissah Arthur, who should have stepped in as the interim President, has also traveled to the UK on an official assignment.

Below is the full statement.

ABSENCE FROM GHANA

In accordance with article 59 of the 1992 constitution of the Republic of Ghana, I write to inform you that I shall visit the Republic of Mali on Thursday, 19 September 2013 to witness the swearing in of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta.

During my absence from Ghana the Right Honourable Speaker of Parliament shall in accordance with article 60, clause 11 of the constitution act in my step because His Excellency the Vice President will also be away from Ghana on an official assignment.

By copy of this letter, the attention of her ladyship the Chief Justice is being drawn to requirement of article 60, clause 12 of the 1992 constitution of the Republic of Ghana.

Kindly accept Right Honourable Speaker the assurances of my highest contribution.

…..Signed…..

John Dramani Mahama