GHAPRO, New Voter Forum back call for national debate on Mahama third-term bid over 'unfinished business'

A coalition of Civil Society Organizations has called for a transparent, constitutional conversation on whether President John Dramani Mahama should seek a third term, arguing that "exceptional times call for exceptional leadership."

The joint CSOs, comprising Ghanaians for Progress (GHAPRO), New Voter Forum, and the Institute of Security and Safety Policy Research, made the call at a press conference held on Monday, 10th August, 2026 at the International Press Centre in Accra.

Addressing journalists, the group said the debate reflects the maturity of Ghana’s democracy and the public’s right to assess government performance and determine the country’s leadership direction.

“We consider this an important democratic conversation and as active sentinels of democratic consolidation, we are compelled to state our position based on hard facts, constitutional principles, and the long-term interests of Ghana, rather than speculation or political convenience,” the group stated.

The CSOs noted that the persistence of the third-term debate demonstrates Ghana’s political development, where citizens, commentators and political actors are entitled to debate the performance of a government.

On public opinion, the group said reactions remain mixed. Citing research by CFF-Ghana which sampled 2,223 respondents, the CSOs revealed that 39.2% of participants support a third-term bid for President Mahama, 29.2% oppose it, while 31.6% expressed no opinion.

The coalition argued that the 1992 Constitution is not immutable and provides avenues for amendment. They pointed to Article 290, which outlines procedures for constitutional change through Parliamentary approval and a national referendum.

“Our argument is that exceptional times call for exceptional leadership. If the people, through due process, want continuity for stability and to complete national projects, the law can reflect that will,” the CSOs said, adding that other democracies have amended term limits after national debate.

Outlining reasons for their support, the group said the first is "unfinished business" requiring experienced leadership. They noted that major infrastructure projects, social interventions, and reforms initiated under President Mahama were disrupted by global economic shocks.

The CSOs also cited President Mahama’s "proven record of service and statesmanship," stating that his temperament, commitment to dialogue, and diplomatic experience are needed amid regional instability and economic pressure.

They further argued that the "will of the people must be heard," referencing sentiments across markets, transport terminals, farms, and campuses where citizens question who else can provide continuity and stability at this time.

The group stressed that their position is a call for a "constitutional conversation, not constitutional violation." They urged Parliament, the Council of State, the Judiciary, and stakeholders to begin an open, lawful national discussion with a referendum and full citizen participation.

The CSOs also addressed the media, urging journalists to distinguish between what has been said, reported, speculated, and independently verified, and to avoid headlines suggesting President Mahama has decided to run without credible evidence.

They called on both the governing party and opposition to resist exploiting the debate for partisan mobilization, stating that "Ghana's democracy is bigger than the fortunes of the NDC, the NPP or any individual politician."

Directly addressing the President, the coalition urged Mr. Mahama to provide clarity when necessary and to focus on delivering his mandate. However, they added that the decision on a third term "is not for him to take alone" and he should welcome calls from his supporters for constitutional processes to begin.

The CSOs said the central question is not just about a third term, but about Ghana’s democratic institutions, constitutional safeguards, and government performance. "Our democracy must be built around institutions, constitutionalism, accountability, and respect for the will of the Ghanaian people."