Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority, Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, says calls for a third presidential term for President John Dramani Mahama must be understood within a democratic context, but ultimately brought to a close in line with the President’s own clear position.
According to Edudzi, democratic societies naturally allow room for extreme, emotional, and sometimes reckless opinions, but not all sentiments should dominate public discourse.
“In a political party, there are shades of opinion,” he said on The KeyPoints on January 3.
“Some views may be extreme, even reckless, but they are permissible in a democracy.”
Edudzi acknowledged that some of the expressions around continuity and a third term may be genuine and not driven by personal interest.
“These may be sincere sentiments from people who admire performance and wish for continuity,” he said.
However, he stressed that the issue must be placed in proper perspective by asking who is this really about?
“For me, this is about the personality and the legacy of President John Dramani Mahama,” Edudzi stated.
Edudzi traced President Mahama’s political journey, describing it as exceptional and unlikely to be repeated by many Ghanaians.
“He has been a Member of Parliament, Deputy Minister, Minister, Vice President, President, spent eight years in opposition, and is President again,” he said.
Edudzi emphasised that President Mahama has already settled the matter by publicly stating his position early in the year and reinforcing it through his actions.
“He didn’t just say it; he demonstrated it,” Edudzi said.
According to him, Mahama has made it clear that his current mandate is about legacy and service, not personal ambition.
“He has stated clearly that this is a legacy mandate to serve the people of Ghana to the best of his ability,” he said.
While defending the right of individuals to express their views, Edudzi said leadership requires decisiveness, especially to prevent confusion and unnecessary agitation.
“You must stop the clamouring early and state your position clearly,” he said.
He noted that unlike some leaders who shift positions over time, President Mahama has been consistent.
“He has made it abundantly clear that he has no interest in that conversation,” Edudzi added, recalling the President’s reaction when a committee report touching on the issue was presented to him.
