Akuapem North MP Sammi Awuku says some members of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) are already preparing to succeed President John Dramani Mahama, warning that any attempt to keep the President in office beyond his current mandate could create divisions within the party.
According to him, many people in the NDC have presidential ambitions, making any discussion about a possible third-term bid unrealistic because several party members are already looking ahead to the next leadership race.
Speaking on Friday, July 17, during discussions about a Supreme Court case seeking an interpretation of Article 66(2) of the 1992 Constitution on presidential term limits, Awuku advised President Mahama not to entertain calls for another term.
He said pursuing such an idea could create unnecessary tension within the ruling party.
“Mr. President, don’t drink this cup of poison. It’s not yours. Let it pass because there are people in your own party who will conspire with your opponents to ensure that it doesn’t work,” he said.
Awuku argued that President Mahama currently occupies a position that many people within the NDC also want, claiming that some have already started positioning themselves to become the party’s future leader.
“The seat he is sitting on today has members of his own party already campaigning to replace him. Any attempt to delay their dreams and ambitions is where they will throw him under the bus,” Mr. Awuku alleged.
His comments come after a Ghanaian citizen filed a case at the Supreme Court asking the judges to clarify whether someone who has served two separate, non-consecutive terms as President can contest the presidency again.
The case was filed by Ganiwu Alhassan against the Attorney-General. It asks the Supreme Court to interpret Article 66(2) of the 1992 Constitution, which states that no person can be elected to serve as President for more than two terms.
President John Dramani Mahama has, however, repeatedly said that his priority is to fulfil the mandate Ghanaians gave him. He has also dismissed claims that he plans to seek another presidential term.
