President John Mahama
President John Mahama has ruled out attempt to seek a possible third term bid in office, following speculation within the leadership of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and a section of the public.
DAILY GUIDE learnt that the President, who made his intentions known during a meeting with the party’s Council of Elders last Friday at the Flagstaff House, said he is committed to the two term presidential limit stipulated in the constitution.
According to sources, the Council of Elders meeting, chaired by Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, used the opportunity to address growing concerns over some individuals serving in government but are said to be covertly campaigning to succeed President Mahama after his tenure.
Many members of the NDC and some political analysts have since last year discussed if it is possible for President Mahama to explore avenues in the constitution to bid for a third term in office, in spite of the constitutional limit which stipulates that a President cannot serve more than two elected terms under Article 66(2) of the 1992 Constitution.
Sources also revealed that, President Mahama firmly reiterated that he would not seek another presidential mandate beyond his current term, reinforcing remarks he first made during a state visit to Singapore last year.
Information gathered by DAILY GUIDE indicates that some top executives of the NDC, including its General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, and National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, who have publicly opposed calls for President Mahama’s bid for a third term in office, were absent at the meeting.
Fifi Kwetey had condemned individuals who advocated for a third term agenda bid for President Mahama when he addressed members of the party at the 31st December Revolution anniversary last year.
Mr. Kwetey, who described individuals advocating for President Mahama to run for a third term as “sycophants” and “bootlickers”, said they were interested in securing their personal interests rather than expressing love for the country and the party.
Mr. Kwetey, therefore, supported President Mahama when he declared his intention not to seek for a third term, stressing that the NDC would not use its parliamentary majority to change constitutional term limits of the country, while urging members of the party to collectively adhere to the values of the NDC and work towards retaining power in the 2028 elections.
Information available also indicates that some senior officials within the NDC maintain that the party remains fully committed to Ghana’s constitutional order and would not support any legislative efforts to extend presidential term limits.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah