Those pushing third-term suit are plotting your downfall

The Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Samuel Awuku, has cautioned President John Dramani Mahama against entertaining attempts to reinterpret Ghana's constitutional presidential term limits.

His comments follow a lawsuit filed at the Supreme Court by lawyer and news editor Kenneth Kwabena Agyei Kuranchie, seeking an interpretation of Article 66(2) of the 1992 Constitution on whether the two-term limit applies only to consecutive terms.

The suit, filed on June 30 against Attorney-General Dominic Ayine, asks the apex court to determine whether a break of one four-year electoral cycle resets a former president's eligibility to contest the presidency.

Reacting in a social media post on Friday, July 10, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmaker claimed those behind the lawsuit do not have the President's best interests at heart.

“I have a funny suspicion that those behind the suits are plotting the eventual downfall of President Mahama. Mr President, they don’t wish you well. Don’t fall for this trap and don’t be persuaded to drink a cup of ‘poison’ prepared by detractors in your own party," wrote the MP.

Sammi Awuku argued that pursuing a third presidential term would expose the President to political opposition from both within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and from rival political parties.

He noted that even former President Jerry John Rawlings, founder of the NDC, did not seek to extend his stay in office beyond the constitutional limit.

“Retire in dignity in 2029. You don’t need endless demonstrations to end your successful political career," the lawmaker told the President.