The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has firmly dismissed any plans to present President John Dramani Mahama for a third term, with Dr. Bryn Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the party’s National Chairman, emphasising the party’s commitment to Ghana’s constitutional framework. The statement, made on 27 August 2025, comes as the NDC navigates its recent landslide victory in the 2024 parliamentary elections, securing 184 out of 276 seats.
Dr. Asiedu Nketiah’s declaration, reported by Citi FM 97.3, underscores adherence to the 1992 Constitution, which limits a president to two terms. This follows President Mahama’s previous tenure from 2012 to 2017 and his return to office in January 2025. The announcement aims to quell speculation, particularly given the NDC’s current parliamentary majority, which theoretically allows for a referendum to amend term limits—a process requiring a two-thirds vote.
The decision echoes historical sensitivities in Ghana, where the 1964 referendum under Kwame Nkrumah, approving a one-party state and lifelong presidency with a contested 99.91% approval, was overturned by a 1966 coup. Recent regional examples, such as Côte d’Ivoire’s 2020 constitutional changes enabling President Alassane Ouattara’s third term, have fuelled public wariness, with protests highlighting the risks to democratic stability.
Social media reactions on X reflect mixed sentiments. While some users, like
@Gen_Buhari_
, express scepticism with comments such as “Plans? You can’t even dare,” others, including
@henrimorrgh
, suggest the NDC could leverage its majority for a referendum, drawing parallels with Côte d’Ivoire. Dr. Asiedu Nketiah’s assurance has done little to silence these concerns entirely.
Latest updates indicate no formal moves within the NDC to pursue a constitutional amendment as of 12:29 GMT today. Political analysts suggest the party is keen to maintain its image as a champion of democratic norms, especially after the 2024 electoral success. However, the possibility of internal pressure or public demand for Mahama’s continued leadership remains a topic of debate.
For the original statement and further discussion, see the attached X post below: