Sheila Gyan, Minister for Information, took over the microphone. Standing before the cameras, she announced that in light of the resignation of the President, the Vice-President was going to be sworn in as the next President of Ghana.
“This is in fulfilment of Article 57 (6) of the constitution of Ghana which states that “ 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”, she said.
Vice-President Gertrude Mensah was with Lt. Victor Clottey in his room when Lt. Badoo came to inform her it was time for her to be sworn in as President of Ghana. Then he left. The Vice-President turned to Lt. Clottey and kissed him.
“I want you by my side as I take the Presidential vow”, she said. He smiled at her and then taking her hand, slipped a ring on to her finger. She was stunned. She stared at the ring, trembling.
“Oh Victor, I was dying for you to do something like this. Oh my God! Oh! I love you. I love you so much” she said. Seeing the tears in her eyes, he told her it was important she does not spoil her make up with her tears. She nodded, smiling as she fought back the tears. He took her hand and led her out of the room. He knew his colleagues, especially his bosses, would be shocked to see him standing by the Vice-President as she takes the Presidential oath.
“Where did you get it?” she asked.
“Get what?” he responded.
“The ring” she said. He smiled.
“I removed it from one of the curtains in the room”, he said, smiling cunningly.
“Wow! You are a genius”, she said happily as they reached the lawn. The ring was not made out of gold or diamond. But to her, it was priceless. She stopped and waited for the Chief Justice. Lt. Clottey stood calmly behind her like a supportive husband. CJ Senyo Agbenyega walked to her and smiled. Cameras started rolling and flashing as the journalists present took as many pictures as they can, trying to catch every moment of the historic occasion; Ghana was about to have its first female President.
“So what would you be called?” she asked Lt. Clottey
“What would I be called?” he asked back.
“Yes. If the wife of the President is the First Lady, what is the husband of the President called?” she asked, smiling
“First Man”, he replied from behind her.
“First Gentleman”, she replied, without turning back to look at him.
“I think both are right” he said.
The CJ handed her a bible and then began to administer the Presidential Oath. Gertrude Mensah’s voice was steady and confident. She felt like a new bride with the ring on her finger. They began with the Oath of Allegiance.
“I, Gertrude Mensah, do in the name of the Almighty God swear, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Republic of Ghana as by law established; that I will uphold the sovereignty and integrity of Ghana; and that I will preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana. So help me God”, she said, repeating each line after the CJ. When that was done, the CJ began to administer the Presidential Oath.
“I, Gertrude Mensah, having been elected to the high office of President of the Republic of Ghana do, in the name of the Almighty God swear, and solemnly affirm, that I will be faithful and true to the Republic of Ghana; that I will at all times preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana; and that I dedicate myself to the service and well-being of the people of the Republic of Ghana and to do right to all manner of persons. I further solemnly swear that should I at any time break this oath of office I shall submit myself to the laws of the Republic of Ghana and suffer the penalty for it. So help me God”, she concluded, repeating each line after the CJ.
The Chief Justice then declared her the President of Ghana. The army band began to play the National anthem. She waited until they finished playing. With the cameras still taking shots of her, she turned and then stretching herself up, kissed Lt. Victor Clottey, Ghana’s First Gentleman.

...THE END…