US-based Ghanaian legal practitioner, Prof Kwaku Asare (Kwaku Azar), has described President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to address concerns about possibly seeking a third term in office as an act of necessity.

According to Prof Azar, he found it surprising that some individuals deemed the president’s action unnecessary.

In a Facebook post sighted by GhanaWeb, the Good Governance (GOGO) advocate cited ten key reasons why the president had to address the issue.

Among various reasons, Prof Azar noted that the president’s address was necessary to deal with needless speculations.

President Mahama announces 'plans' for 2028 presidential run

“Critics have alleged that he is plotting to amend or reinterpret the Constitution. His clarity on the matter neutralises such suspicions. Silence would only fuel more speculations and political gossip about whether he might seek to amend the Constitution to contest again or not,” he stated.

He further cited other reasons, including addressing legal controversy, upholding Ghana’s democratic credibility, sending the right signal on the international front, and defining his second term.

He added that the president’s address will strengthen moral authority, provide clarity for citizens, protect state institutions, reduce political tensions, and guide leadership renewal.

“By merging party succession planning, avoiding factionalism, and encouraging new leaders, the declaration creates space for his party to groom the next generation and for the country to embrace leadership renewal,” he wrote.

Mahama’s declaration not to seek a third term reassures international partners – Kwaku Azar

He emphasised that while the Constitution of Ghana may be clear on presidential term limits, speaking on pressing issues remains an imperative duty of leadership.

President John Dramani Mahama has publicly dismissed speculation about seeking a third term in 2028, affirming his commitment to the constitutional two-term limit as per Article 66(2) of the 1992 Constitution.

Speaking during a state visit to Singapore on August 27, 2025, he emphasised that not running again allows him to focus on fiscal discipline and avoid election-year overspending.

His remarks were in response to claims, primarily from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), alleging he was planning a third term amid constitutional review discussions.

John Mahama became president in 2012 following the demise of then-President John Evans Atta Mills.

He subsequently won his first presidential term in the 2012 general election but lost his re-election bid in 2016.

Following subsequent attempts, John Mahama was elected president again in December 2024 for his second presidential term, which will run out on January 7, 2029.

Read the ten points in Facebook post below

GOGO was not the least bit surprised by the President’s assurance that he won’t seek a third term. Anyone who knows him or is remotely familiar with his politics takes that for granted.

However, GOGO is surprised by those who insist the declaration was unnecessary simply because a third term is constitutionally impossible. Of course, the third term is not possible but the politics of perception, precedent, and reassurance demanded that it be said.

Here are the top ten reasons why the President’s declaration was necessary:

1. Preempting Rumors: Critics have alleged that he is plotting to amend or reinterpret the Constitution. This neutralizes such suspicions. Silence would only fuel speculation and political gossip about whether he might seek to amend the Constitution or contest again.

2. Addressing Legal Controversy: Because there has already been a Supreme Court lawsuit challenging his eligibility, the declaration closes the door on further litigation.

3. Democratic Credibility in Africa:
Across Africa, too many leaders have tried to bend or remove constitutional term limits to stay in power. By declaring that he will step aside after 2028, Mahama sends a powerful signal that Ghana will not follow that pattern and remains a model of democratic resilience on the continent.

4. International Signaling: The declaration reassures our international partners and investors of political stability, strengthening our reputation as a “rule-of-ballot” democracy.

5. Framing His Second Term: It defines his presidency as legacy-driven, not re-election-driven. This frees him to pursue his reset agenda.

6. Strengthening Moral Authority: Taking the initiative projects statesmanship and reinforces his image as someone who respects constitutional order.

7. Clarity for Citizens: Not all citizens track the constitutional term-limit rules. His declaration makes it clear there is no 2028 comeback.

8. Protecting Institutions: It shields the Electoral Commission from being dragged into another eligibility battle in 2027/2028.

9. Reducing Political Tension: By eliminating uncertainty over 2028, he lowers the temperature of partisan debate and allows the nation to focus on pressing policy issues rather than needless succession drama.

10. Guiding Leadership Renewal: By merging party succession planning, avoiding factionalism, and encouraging new leaders, the declaration creates space for his party to groom the next generation and for the country to embrace leadership renewal.

So yes, the Constitution speaks but leadership demands speaking too.
PS: Yɛde post no bɛto hɔ. Yɛnyɛ comprehension consultants.
Da Yie!



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