A coalition of civil society organisations has called for a national referendum to allow Ghanaians to decide whether President John Dramani Mahama should be permitted to seek a third term in office.
The coalition, comprising Ghanaians for Progress (GHAPRO), New Voter Forum and the Institute of Security and Safety Policy Research, made the call at a press conference at the International Press Centre on Monday.
The organisations urged Parliament, the Council of State, the Judiciary and other relevant stakeholders to begin what they described as a lawful national conversation on a possible constitutional amendment that could allow Mahama to contest another presidential election.
According to the group, the 1992 Constitution provides procedures for constitutional amendments under Article 290 and should be capable of responding to what they described as the changing circumstances and will of Ghanaians.
The CSOs also cited a survey by CFF-Ghana involving 2,223 respondents. They said the survey found that 39.2 per cent supported a third-term bid for Mahama, while 29.2 per cent opposed it and 31.6 per cent had no opinion.
The organisations said their support for another term was based on what they described as unfinished national projects, Mahama’s experience in governance and the need for continuity and stability.
They also urged the media to distinguish between verified information and speculation surrounding the issue, particularly reports suggesting that the President has already decided to seek a third term.
Mahama has publicly rejected calls for a third term. Despite this, the CSOs urged him to allow the appropriate constitutional processes to take place if Ghanaians wanted the matter formally considered.
The organisations further appealed to political parties to avoid using the issue for partisan advantage, arguing that Ghana’s democratic interests should take precedence over the fortunes of any individual politician or political party.
The call comes amid renewed public discussion about presidential term limits and the possibility of constitutional reform in Ghana.
