Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has firmly dismissed any suggestion of a third-term agenda for President John Dramani Mahama, stressing that the party remains unequivocally committed to Ghana’s constitutional order and democratic principles.
Speaking on the heels of the party’s 2024 electoral victory, Kwetey’s intervention serves as a definitive closure to emerging whispers regarding a potential extension of presidential tenure, asserting that the NDC will not entertain any attempt to alter the 1992 Constitution for such purposes.
“First and foremost, you must appreciate that all over sub-Saharan Africa, if there is one country that has been able to provide the model that continues to be an inspiration in terms of democratic transition, it is Ghana. We at no point should ever encourage a situation where there is a disruption in our constitutional stipulations”
Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, NDC General Secretary
The General Secretary’s stance underscored a strategic effort to insulate the Presidency from the “third-term syndrome,” that has plagued several sub-Saharan African nations. He anchored the party’s position in constitutional discipline, ensuring that the administration’s “reset” agenda is not overshadowed by perceptions of power entrenchment.
Kwetey framed the party’s refusal to pursue a third term as a matter of national pride and continental leadership.
He noted that Ghana’s respect for constitutional limits serves as an inspiration across the region, and any disruption to these stipulations would undermine years of democratic progress. For the NDC, the sanctity of the two-term limit is non-negotiable, regardless of the significant parliamentary majority the party currently commands.
He further emphasized that President Mahama has personally shut down discussions suggesting a third term to prevent any ambiguity.
This proactive leadership from the Presidency, according to Kwetey, was essential to ensure that the party does not appear to be “entertaining” conversations that conflict with the spirit of the law.
Early Flagbearer Ambitions
Beyond the constitutional debate, Kwetey directed a sharp critique toward party members already eyeing the 2028 presidential ticket. For him, though the President would not be extending his term any further, it was still too for succession talks.
Describing such early maneuvers as an “insult” to both the NDC and President Mahama, the General Secretary argued that such conversations within the first year of assuming office is premature and distracting.
He maintained that the immediate focus must be on governance and the fulfillment of campaign promises made during the eight years spent in opposition.
“Especially in the first year after we have won power, any conversation regarding interest in running for power, I find personally an insult to the NDC as a whole, an insult even to President Mahama because we have barely come into office. We have not even come to 10 or 20 percent of our accomplishments”
Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, NDC General Secretary
Kwetey’s remarks signal a demand for absolute discipline within the party ranks. He argued that the NDC must prioritize the implementation of its policies for the Ghanaian people rather than indulging the personal political gain of individuals who are eager to jump-start the next electoral cycle.
This commitment to stewardship over political gain is central to the NDC’s current administrative philosophy.
Kwetey explained that the party’s “huge majority” in Parliament would be used exclusively to pursue the national interest. He rejected the notion that legislative strength should be abused to “make one person happy” by changing the fundamental laws of the land.
As President Mahama’s government settles into its first term, Kwetey’s dual message of constitutional loyalty and internal discipline serves as a preemptive strike against the “lame duck” narrative.
By stating unequivocally that “there will be no third term,” the NDC seeks to ensure that its energy remains focused on accountability and the success of the current administration’s developmental goals.
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