Former Member of Parliament for Sunyani East constituency of the Bono region, Kwasi Ameyaw Cheremeh, has cautioned political actors and interest groups against pushing what he describes as a “third-term agenda” for President John Dramani Mahama.

According to him, attempts to alter or extend presidential term limits have triggered unrest in several African countries and Ghana must avoid a similar path.

Speaking in an interview with Ama Konadu on ‘Adea Akye Abia’ morning show at Sompa FM-Sunyani, Mr Ameyaw Cheremeh said efforts by some groups including, pastors to encourage President Mahama to seek a third term pose significant risks to Ghana’s democratic stability.

He argued that once a political party gains power, it may feel tempted to extend presidential terms, a trend he says has plunge other nations into political crises and coups.

He cited Guinea-Bissau as a recent example, recalling his experience as an observer during the country’s 2023 parliamentary elections.

According to him, despite the opposition winning the election, President Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embaló later suspended parliament, having previously dissolved the earlier legislature, and “used some means” to maintain his grip on power.

Such actions, the former majority chief whip warned, could fuel public frustration and push citizens toward extra-constitutional measures.

He also referenced developments in Benin, where he said parliament’s decision months ago to extend the presidential term to seven years and disqualify a major opposition figure contributed to instability and opened the door for military intervention.

He stressed that Ghana must learn from these examples by strictly upholding its constitutional provisions.

“Our constitution gives every president two terms, four-years in each term and that should not be tampered with,” he said. “Third-term agenda should be banished; otherwise, what has happened in other countries can happen to us.”

The former MP added that even strong and influential leaders, such as Ghana’s first President, late Dr Kwame Nkrumah and Libya’s late Muammar Gaddafi, eventually didn't hold on to power, underscoring the need for leaders to respect democratic transitions.

He urged President Mahama to maintain his stated position of not seeking a third term, noting that Ghana’s stability depends on safeguarding constitutional order.

Sompaonline.com/Derrick Djan