Third Term Temptation; President Mahama Must Live It Through an NDC Chosen Successor

Despite the calls for president Mahama to seek another term as the president of Ghana, it will be the biggest and grievous mistake in his political career after the unbeatable records he has set and still setting.

Though falling for that temptation will be another record for his political journey which began as an Assembly Man, will that be a good record, or stunt that will erase the admiration such an impeccable journey attracts? At present, the call may sound laudable and pleasant but in a distant future, could become a regret and a bastardization of his legacy to never heal, for Ghana and Ghanaians’ future historically have been difficult to predict.

President Mahama, as a student of history, can relate to the challenges Kwame Nkrumah faced from both supporters and detractors throughout his presidency and beyond, even in changing times. The same is true for Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings, and maybe President Kuffour. Former president Nana Akuffo Addo took a completely different trajectory from any Ghanaian president in history to give Ghanaians a cause to salivate for a third term bid for president Mahama.

President Mahama must reflect on a section of Ghanaians’ attitude towards him prior to 2016, after 2016 elections and subsequently after 2020 elections when the same Ghanaians in their unpredictable ways pulled that surprise to bring him back as the president in 2025. Those are examples of the unpredictable characteristics of Ghanaians.

Granted president Mahama does the unthinkable to ultimately respond to the temptations hovering around him and gives in, courtesy the strength of his Parliamentary majority to carve a way for the constitution he swore an oath to respect, protect and defend to back that bid, what will be the message sent to other African countries and presidents, and the world? Will it be an endorsement of such escapades recorded in history that concerned presidents, including president Mahama have criticized in the past? Or, his will be understandable, and not compared to even the closest neighboring country Togo?

Going by president Mahama's own statement when he was answering a question at a Chatham House forum in the UK in January 2023, gbcghanaonline.com on January 27, 2023, reported him as saying,

"When you have a leader who is old, he has no business continuing to be a leader, it doesn’t matter where the person is coming from, whether Africa or wherever,"

I want to believe the president is very much into seeing the youth take over leadership roles in Africa especially. A belief he reiterated in his inaugural speech and followed it up with the appointment of youths as his ministers and other heads of public offices to help him govern the country.

Since president Mahama abhors seeing 80-year olds clinging to power and believe in the youth, the question is whether he himself though not yet 80, will embrace the temptation of the third term being thrown at him, and will he encourage or endorse older candidates to contest the flagbearer position of the NDC, including his current vice, Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyeman?

The 2024 election campaign was not an easy task for the president and his vice, as it was obvious at the 11th hour how completely it took a toll on their health. It, therefore, begs for the question; will any of them, the president, and or the vice want to repeat it in 2028 as candidates?

There is currently the growing calls for President Mahama to seek a third term as president at all cost irrespective of what the current constitution of Ghana dictates because of the unprecedented tangible economic, social and infrastructural development Ghanaians are witnessing and experiencing in just one year of his four-year mandate. It is essential for the president to rather carefully consider deepening his democratic credentials and that of the nation by rather grooming capable young leaders to democratically succeed him to quench the thirst of his leadership currently scratching the throats of many Ghanaians that seem to be making them sound his name out that loudly and urging him to seek another term.

Those calling for president Mahama's third term and possibly Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyeman as his running mate again must not forget to add 3 years to their ages, and factor in additional 4 years (5 years if the proposed constitutional review committee’s 5-year term is eventually upheld) before pushing them into such ordeal.

President Mahama continues to affirm he will not bid for a third term, but the pressure growing may have the tendency to sway him away from that stance. But those of us observing from afar will suggest he remain firm and live that third term through supporting a well-liked experienced young leader who embodies his attributes that the NDC as a party will democratically elect as a flagbearer to protect and build on his legacy.

It is worth noting that when a genuine Pan-Africanist who is incorruptible is a leader of a country as president and he chooses another young, smart and incorruptible Pan-Africanist under his tutelage, and a mentee of his Vice president as his foreign minister to tell the true story of Ghana and promote its image aimed at courting respect for all Ghanaian citizens everywhere in the world, then that president indirectly will not have any uncertainty to believe his legacy will fully be protected under the leadership of such a trainee of his.

If the NDC is to pursue a youthful successor to resonate strongly with the youth who form the core of Ghana's democratic process, as President Mahama emphasized in his inaugural address, the party I believe now faces a crystal clear direction following the demise of Dr. Omane Boamah, the former Defense Minister and one of the gallant eight lost in the helicopter crash while on duty.

Therefore, in finding the next generation of leadership, the NDC should consider projecting Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu and current Minister of Foreign Affairs, as a potential flagbearer.

For the position of running mate, two excellent candidates stand out. The first is Hon. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the Member of Parliament for Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam and Minister of Finance, whose academic credentials include studies at KNUST and the University of Oxford. The second is Hon. John Jinapor, the MP for Yapei-Kusawgu and Minister of Energy and Green Transition, who brings expertise from the University for Development Studies (UDS) and the University of London. Pairing Okudzeto Ablakwa with either Ato Forson or John Jinapor would embody both the renewal and competence the party seeks, presenting a dynamic leadership team poised to address the challenges and opportunities facing Ghana.

Should the NDC choose to pursue the strategy of fielding an older presidential candidate, the party should consider limiting that candidate's tenure to a single term. In this event, The NDC national chairman, Hon. Asiedu Nketia could be the presidential candidate with Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa as his running mate. Alternatively, the current Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, could be the presidential candidate, also pairing with Okudzeto Ablakwa as his running mate. This approach would allow for a blend of experience and youthful dynamism, positioning Okudzeto Ablakwa for future leadership while ensuring continuity and renewal within the party's top ranks.

To guarantee a prosperous future after President Mahama’s tenure, the NDC must carefully navigate the competitive landscape of abundant ambitious and qualified leaders amongst them. Wise management of these potential successors is crucial for the party’s long-term growth, unity and being in power for an extraordinary period.

Prioritizing the party’s collective interests and Ghana’s interest over individual ambitions and focusing on a shared vision will go a long way to help the NDC identify and rally behind the most marketable candidate. A candidate who resonates widely across key demographics. Such a candidate must appeal not only to the youth, including high school and tertiary students, but also to the elderly, young market traders, and skilled tradespeople throughout the country. Selecting a leader with widespread appeal like president Mahama, will enhance the NDC’s connection with voters from all levels of society, ensuring the party remains relevant, attractive, and competitive in future elections.

Why Hon. Okudzeto is Core in Every Permutation for NDC

Anti-Corruption Efforts
In Ghana today, the name Okudzeto Ablakwa is synonymous with a steadfast commitment to anti-corruption advocacy. His reputation, built on a track-record of exposing multiple scandals using coherent and consistent documentary evidence, earning widespread respect for his integrity, diligence, and love for Ghana, is indisputable.

Exposing Major Scandals
Okudzeto Ablakwa played a pivotal role in bringing to light multiple high-profile scandals associated with the Nana Akuffo Addo and Dr. Bawumia administration. He was instrumental in uncovering both covert and overt misconduct, which was frequently displayed without reservation.

His relentless pursuit of accountability meant that, at one point, hardly a week passed without a new scandal revealed through his efforts. No doubt he is now regarded as Ghana’s most distinguished and youthful Foreign Minister in recent years, a testament to his impactful work and public recognition.

Public Accountability and Parliamentary Oversight

While serving as the ranking member for foreign affairs in opposition during the Nana Akuffo Addo-led NPP government, Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa became a stand-out figure in parliamentary oversight. His probing skills during Public Accounts Committee hearings were particularly noteworthy. Through intense interrogations, he was able to hold public offices accountable, resulting in the recovery of misappropriated public funds during the NPP administration.

High-Profile Investigations
Among his multiple investigations, the National Cathedral Scandal stands out. Okudzeto Ablakwa traveled to the United States to verify the existence of an office address linked to the National Cathedral funding and contract scandal, only to discover that the office did not exist, instead it was a warehouse. This investigation, marked by his signature sunglasses at the warehouse which was supposed to be the address of one Cary Lee Summers, drew significant public attention.

It is essential to note that he conducted his investigations without resorting to ambulating outside the shores of Ghana in a jet as was the case of leasing an ultra-luxury jet by the then NPP government. Unlike the NPP government, which leased an ultra-luxury jet for presidential and government official travels at significant taxpayer expense, Okudzeto Ablakwa’s approach ensured prudence and accountability. The contrast is striking, considering the extravagant expenditures and amenities, such as an altitude-activated jacuzzi bath for the president, funded by the state.

He also shed light on the controversial double identity scandal involving the then president’s 'spiritual leader', a member of the National Cathedral Secretariat, who allegedly claimed to have two names, two dates of birth, and two mothers, an issue that ignited public debate and disbelief.

Crisis Response and Show of Leadership

Beyond his investigative work, Okudzeto Ablakwa demonstrated exceptional mobilization and problem-solving qualities essential for national leadership. During the Akosombo dam spillage in 2023, which resulted in severe flooding and displacement, he marshalled resources to support and relocate affected communities in his constituency, exemplifying his commitment to public service and readiness to solve problems in national magnitude when entrusted with topmost position.

Ministerial Appointment and Experience

President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to appoint Okudzeto Ablakwa as Foreign Affairs Minister reflects the trust placed in his abilities to advance and defend Ghana’s image internationally. His tenure so far has chalked productive negotiations, beneficial agreements, and positive international attention for Ghana.

Prior to that, he was in President Mills’ administration as a deputy Information minister, and later deputy Education Minister, when president Mahama was the Vice president, and Vice president Naana Jane Opoku Agyeman was then the education minister.

Prospects and Linguistic Preparedness
While Honorable Okudzeto Ablakwa has not yet officially declared his intention to run for the presidency, his actions and leadership qualities position him as a potential contender for the nation’s highest office.

To further his ambitions, it will be helpful that he improves his fluency in Twi and learn Hausa and Ga languages by 2027 if he currently does not speak these languages. If he speaks them, then he should use them periodically and not only Twi and Ewe. This will enhance his ability to connect with a broader group of the population within the shortest possible time when the time is ripe, should the NDC heed the prevailing sentiments and 'mystical vibrations' blowing in the air.

The Place of Cybersecurity in Ghana’s 2028 Elections

Ghana’s 2028 election’s success will depend not only on the nation’s political preparedness, but also on the strength and resilience of its cybersecurity infrastructure. As digital systems increasingly support electoral processes, ensuring the security and readiness of the systems, the protection of sensitive electoral data equally becomes paramount.

Ghana must make robust investments in cybersecurity, undertaking comprehensive measures to safeguard its electoral infrastructure and leaving no stone unturned in its defense. This initiative must begin immediately to address evolving threats and build public confidence in the integrity of the electoral process.

The late Dr. Omane Boamah was among those who foresaw the vital importance of this challenge. He actively advocated for strengthening the resilience of Ghana’s electoral systems against potential intrusions and attacks by malicious actors. His emphasis underscores the urgent need for vigilance and preparedness to secure the foundation of Ghana’s democracy. A repeat of 2016 where the electoral commission sadly announced the hacking of its system must not happen again.

It is obvious that the Electoral Commission (EC) boss, along with the deputies, are likely to face dismissal. This expectation is rooted in multiple petitions filed against them, which have gained public support from the opposition NPP, as expressed by their secretary, Justin Kodua, at one point.

When it comes to appointing new EC officials, the president should consider retired military generals or officers for these roles. This approach mirrors previous appointments of retired military personnel to certain public offices, which have proven effective and yielded positive outcomes. While this decision might initially attract criticism, such concerns will lessen with time as the right measures are in place and the benefits become evident.

The biggest mistake the NDC will make is to assume their two-third majority and infrastructure under the big push will automatically secure the victory in 2028.

The NPP clearly can be near successful if their party does not disintegrate few months after their flag bearer election and they decide to use the strategies NDC used against them in the last elections. They may have already started privately with meetings across the world and will go full force after their presidential candidate is known. NDC must be ready to function equally as if they were in opposition to withstanding that strategy, leaving no ‘punch’ not responded to.

Ken Ofori Atta’s case will be one determinant of their resilience, as his return to Ghana to face trial will weaken their financial muscle. If it becomes necessary for the state to also seek the assistance of lawyers like he has done, the Attorney General must go for it, for it will not be a sign of weakness. Instead, it will send a strong signal to those preparing to emulate him.

While the call for the third term continue to ring in the minds of the president and his handlers, it is worth remembering that the audience forever remembers the greatest artist on stage when he or she leaves while the applause is louder.

I rest my PEN.
Mustapha Alhassan
Pennsylvania, USA.