A member of the Movement for Change, Solomon Owusu, has warned former President John Mahama against any attempt to seek re-election after publicly declaring he would not contest again.
Speaking on Joy Prime’s political discussion show, Prime Insight, Mr. Owusu said any reversal of Mahama’s earlier statement would face strong resistance from both Ghanaians and members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“If President Mahama goes for a second tenure of office, we will sack him,” he stated, arguing that leaders must remain true to their word.
According to Mr. Owusu, many within the NDC are also eager to lead and would resist any attempt by Mahama to break his promise, warning that such a move could betray public trust and create divisions within the party.
He urged Mahama to use the remaining three years of his term to deliver on his campaign pledges instead of contemplating another run.
“He has to use the three years to do anything he wants to do before he exhausts his time,” he said, adding that the former president’s credibility depends on how faithfully he delivers.
Mr. Owusu argued that seeking another term would exhaust Mahama’s ideas and hinder national progress.
He called for younger leaders and fresh perspectives to be given the chance to serve.
“He should exit and let fresh blood come and perform as well,” he emphasised.
On governance reforms, he proposed that presidential term limits should be reinforced, stressing that even the most effective leaders should be restricted to two terms.
“Even if you are the best president, there must be a policy of just two terms of office,” he said.
He also questioned the need for Mahama’s earlier declaration, noting that the constitution already limits presidents to two terms.
“It was needless for the president to come out and say he won’t be running, because it is already written in the constitution,” he remarked.
Mr. Owusu further cautioned Ghanaians against supporting any future bid by the former president, insisting that two terms are enough for any leader to make an impact.
Touching on the upcoming by-election, he criticised the growing political tension between the NPP and NDC, saying elections should be about policy, not violence.
“Sometimes, an election is not about winning but letting people understand your policies,” he noted.
He urged politicians to shun electoral violence, stressing that effective leaders should not fear losing.
“If you know your policies are good, there is no need to shed blood. As an MP, if you did your duties and responsibilities well during your tenure of office, you shouldn’t be scared,” he said.
Mr. Owusu concluded by urging President Mahama to concentrate on fulfilling his promises and serving Ghanaians diligently.
He maintained that doing so would strengthen public trust and justify the mandate given to him.
Prime Insight airs every Saturday at 7 PM on Joy Prime, focusing on national political issues, governance, and public policy discussions.