Accra: An operative of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), James Agbey, has called on supporters of President John Dramani Mahama to cease advocating for a third presidential term, emphasizing that the President has made his stance on the matter clear.
According to Ghana Web, Agbey issued a statement on Saturday, July 18, 2026, expressing concern that recent demands by some party supporters for President Mahama to extend his tenure beyond the constitutional two-term limit could potentially undermine his political legacy. He highlighted that while discussions about constitutional provisions and an ongoing Supreme Court case are valid, President Mahama has definitively expressed no intention of pursuing another term.
Agbey referenced President Mahama's comments during the Resetting Ghana Tour in Ho, where the President remarked, "The people of Ghana gave me one additional term. My job is to work and deliver on that trust, not to look for a third term. The matter is settled." Agbey reiterated, "That's it. President Mahama has settled it, and that should be it."
He urged so-called "sycophantic allies" to refrain from promoting the idea of a third term, arguing that such actions equate to self-sabotage and distract the party from its broader objectives. "We need to stop the self-sabotage and keep our focus and eyes on the bigger picture," he stated.
Agbey also asserted that the NDC has capable leaders ready to build on President Mahama's achievements and continue the party's "resetting agenda." As a longstanding operative of the party, he emphasized the NDC's tradition of smooth transitions and changes of leadership.
He further called on the governing party to start preparing for a transparent and credible process to elect its next leader, emphasizing that the NDC should focus on preserving President Mahama's legacy while bolstering its democratic traditions. Agbey stated, "President Mahama has laid a solid foundation for the NDC and the incoming party leader must reposition our party to its founding ideals."
With the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) "appearing to be floundering," Agbey urged the NDC to capitalize on this opportunity to consolidate its gains by ensuring a fair leadership transition. Drawing parallels with previous leadership changes within the party, he remarked, "Just like Rawlings handed the baton to Mills, and Mills handed it to Mahama, there will certainly be another handing over of baton to a worthy successor."
He concluded by reiterating his appeal for supporters to abandon the third-term campaign, stating, "The sycophancy must stop, and respectfully now."