According to Dr Emmanuel Alex Nti, a political analyst, the debate surrounding President John Dramani Mahama’s potential third term will ultimately hinge on his performance and the electorate’s decision.
He argued that while the Ghanaian constitution stipulates that a president is limited to two terms, ambiguity arises regarding individuals who serve a term, lose an election, and subsequently regain office after winning another election.
Dr Nti asserts that this matter can be resolved by the Supreme Court of Ghana, which would provide clarity on whether such an individual would be deemed to have exhausted their two-term limit.
He further stated that if this possibility were to materialise, it would be entirely contingent upon President John Dramani Mahama’s performance.
Speaking in an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5 FM, he noted that the Ghanaian electorate is eager for leaders who fulfil their promises, and if the President delivers on his promises, satisfying the electorate, they would readily support a third term for him.
“When you look at the current trends in our political space, if anyone, including President Mahama, decides to go for a third term, it would depend on their performance. Ghanaians are looking for a leader who is a performer or someone who will deliver on promises. If at the end of the day, he is able to deliver the necessary results, come what may, Ghanaians would be prepared to give him that opportunity.”
He added that President John Dramani Mahama himself has assured Ghanaians that he has no interest in seeking a third term, so those pushing that agenda are wasting their time.
But he was quick to add that he wouldn’t be surprised if he changed his mind, stressing that President Mahama is not a man greedy for power but someone who has invested in and trained people who are equally competent to take over from him.
“Even without President Mahama leading, the NDC has the means to govern. That is one thing we have to establish. He has got a team, and what they are doing is being done by teamwork.”
He added that we have seen some changes in the situation we witnessed under the previous administration, citing the stability of the cedi and a reduction in the prices of goods and services, among others.
He advised President Mahama not to allow any pressure to force him to accept this third-term agenda.
Using a musician as an example, he said, “As a musician or a celebrity who has gained popularity or prominence, you should know when to exit on stage. If you fail to do that, you risk undermining the reputation you’ve built over the years. I think President Mahama is aware of that, and because of the legacy he wants to leave behind, he would not risk it by allowing pressure to force him into accepting the third-term agenda. But one thing we should also understand is that every good leader builds a team and raises leaders so that even in his absence, they would be able to take over. I wouldn’t be surprised if he seeks a third term, but from how I know Mahama as someone who builds leaders around him, he will likely be backstage to coach whoever he thinks can also project his agenda for the better Ghana we all yearn for, because he knows when to exit the stage.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
