Be circumspect in the call on Mahama to go for third term – ADAM-GH

The Anchoring Democracy Advocacy Movement Ghana (ADAM-Gh), a civil society organisation, has called for an end to public appeals urging President John Dramani Mahama to seek a third term in office, describing the campaign as dangerous and unconstitutional.

In a press release issued on 23rd November 2025, the organisation said it had become “very disturbing” to observe individuals on social media and some traditional media platforms pushing for President Mahama to amend the constitution through a two-thirds majority in Parliament and a national referendum.

ADAM-Gh emphasised that President Mahama had already “categorically” rejected such calls, yet “some opportunists kept on creating unnecessary tension” by insisting he should consider extending his tenure beyond the constitutionally mandated limit.

The organisation warned that attempts to prolong presidential mandates have historically triggered political instability in several African countries. It cited examples including Guinea, where “the coup that ousted President Alpha Condé was directly fueled by public dissatisfaction after he pursued a controversial third term”; Gabon, where a military takeover followed a disputed third-term election; and Mali, Burkina Faso, Sudan, Niger, and Zimbabwe — all of which have experienced coups linked to governance failures, constitutional manipulation, or prolonged presidential rule.

ADAM-Gh cautioned: “Unconstitutional extension of presidential tenure often weakens democratic institutions, fosters corruption, and creates an environment where military intervention is more likely.”

The release noted that President Mahama already holds a unique place in Ghana’s political history, having governed for a combined nine years — one year as a substantive president before winning the 2012 election, four years thereafter, and now another four-year mandate after the Akufo-Addo administration.

According to the organisation, President Mahama “has built enough human resources within the NDC to take over from him,” adding that Ghanaians should not pressure him into seeking an extension he has clearly stated he does not want.

ADAM-Gh further argued that whoever succeeds Mahama within the NDC will be “the luckiest person to have an experienced President… advising and directing him or her as immediate past president.”

The group urged citizens to safeguard Ghana’s democratic gains, warning that the country should not “do anything that can give a good reason for military takeover,” especially at a time when several African states remain vulnerable to coups.

The statement concluded with the appeal: “Let’s prioritize our democracy, let’s protect our constitutional rule.”