National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has cautioned against growing calls for President John Dramani Mahama to seek a third term in office.
Asiedu Nketiah described the campaign as dangerous, warning that it could create divisions within the governing party and affect its succession process.
He made the comments during an interview on Ambassador TV, according to a report by ModernGhana published on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
Asiedu Nketiah raises concerns over third-term campaign
Asiedu Nketiah said supporters who oppose a third-term bid are increasingly being portrayed as people who do not support President Mahama.
He argued that such a situation could damage internal cohesion within the NDC.
The NDC chairman also pointed to President Mahama’s stated position that he is not interested in pursuing another term.
According to Asiedu Nketiah, that position should be respected rather than challenged by supporters seeking to promote a third-term campaign.
Court action adds to debate
The NDC chairman also expressed concern that the third-term issue has reached the courts.
He said some individuals had taken the matter to court in an effort to compel the President to contest for another term.
Asiedu Nketiah argued that taking such steps could intensify tensions around the issue.
He also mentioned calls from some religious leaders supporting a possible third-term bid.
The chairman said political and other influential figures should avoid actions that could turn the debate into a source of division within the party.
Concern over impact on NDC succession
Asiedu Nketiah warned that the debate could affect relationships among NDC members as the party considers its future leadership.
He said supporters should not treat opposition to a third-term campaign as opposition to Mahama himself.
The concern, he explained, is that such divisions could influence how supporters view potential candidates in the party’s future succession process.
He urged NDC members to handle the issue carefully to protect the party’s internal unity.
NPP could use debate as campaign issue
The NDC chairman also warned that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) could use the third-term debate as a political campaign issue.
He therefore called for caution in how the governing party and its supporters address the matter.
According to Asiedu Nketiah, continued public campaigning for a third term could provide political opponents with an opportunity to challenge the NDC’s position on democratic succession.
Mahama’s position remains central to debate
The debate comes against the backdrop of President Mahama’s stated position that he is not interested in seeking another term, as referenced by Asiedu Nketiah.
The NDC chairman’s comments therefore focus less on a declared third-term bid and more on calls from supporters and other figures urging the President to reconsider his position.
The issue has also become part of wider political discussion as the NDC considers its future leadership beyond Mahama’s current tenure.
For now, Asiedu Nketiah has urged party members to avoid actions that could deepen divisions and to respect the President’s stated position on the matter.
Source: ModernGhana, “Chasing third term for President Mahama very dangerous – Asiedu Nketiah,” published August 8, 2026.
