Majority Rejects Claims of Mahama Third Term as Dangerous and Unfounded
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has strongly refuted claims by the Minority in Parliament that President John Dramani Mahama is considering a third term bid, labeling the accusations as unfounded and potentially damaging to national conversations.
Speaking on the AM show on Wednesday, Ayariga expressed concern that the Minority’s persistent assertions could inadvertently introduce the very idea they are attempting to discredit. “As for the question of John Mahama wanting to do a third term which he has not said he wants to do – that’s the funny thing,” he said.
He pointed out that President Mahama has consistently stated his lack of interest in seeking another term. “The man has said he is not thinking about it. Why are you putting the idea in his head?” Ayariga questioned.
According to Mr. Ayariga, continuous speculation on the matter risks encouraging discussions within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) about the possibility, despite the party having no such plan. “It is dangerous for you to keep pushing it in their head,” he argued. “The more you discuss it, the more maybe some NDC members may come out and say perhaps it is an idea worth considering given that we have the capacity to do it.”
He emphasized that President Mahama has been clear on his position, and any further debate should be based on concrete proposals rather than speculation. “Third term? Until I see a proposal and understand the basis for it, I will keep quiet,” he stated.
Ayariga further clarified that the final decision on the matter rests with the courts if anyone chooses to challenge the constitutional implications. “If somebody decides to go to court to test it, he is perfectly within his or her right,” he said. “If the court interprets the Constitution in a way that allows him to run again at the end of the day, it is the Ghanaian electorate who will decide.”
These comments come after a tense scene in Parliament on Tuesday evening, where New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs chanted “Mahama No Third Term” and displayed placards during a heated debate concerning the Kpandai parliamentary seat.
The Minority’s protest stemmed from accusations that the government is attempting to manipulate constitutional amendments by first consolidating its parliamentary majority. Their concerns were particularly focused on a December 4th letter from the Clerk of Parliament to the Electoral Commission, notifying them of a vacancy in Kpandai following a High Court ruling. Minority MPs maintain the letter was procedurally flawed and violated parliamentary rules.
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
