President John Dramani Mahama (L) and Azubila Emmanuel Salam (R)
Civil society organisation Anchoring Democracy Advocacy Movement Ghana (ADAM-GH) has cautioned the public to desist from mounting pressure on President John Dramani Mahama to pursue an “unconstitutional third term”, warning that such calls pose significant risks to Ghana’s democratic stability.
In a press statement signed by its Executive Secretary, Azubila Emmanuel Salam on November 23, 2025, ADAM-GH described the renewed social media campaign urging President Mahama to extend his stay in office as “unnecessary pressure” and a potential trigger for political instability.
According to Azubila, President Mahama has already built strong human resource capacity within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to continue the party’s development agenda without him seeking additional years in office.
He noted that the President himself has openly rejected any attempt to push him into a third-term discussion, yet “opportunists” on social and traditional media continue to revive the agenda for reasons “best known to them,” thereby creating needless tension.
The organisation stressed that African countries where leaders attempted to alter constitutional term limits have faced heightened risks of political unrest, instability and military takeovers.
“Countries where leaders have attempted to extend their tenure in office, often through ambiguous or controversial constitutional changes, have a higher risk of political instability and military takeovers.
“Countries that have experienced military takeovers in recent years, with a direct or indirect link to issues surrounding presidential tenure or poor governance,” part of the statement read.
The statement cited several examples from recent years:
Guinea (2021): Coup after President Alpha Condé forced through a third-term amendment.
Gabon (2023): Military takeover following Ali Bongo’s disputed third-term declaration.
Mali (2020, 2021): Multiple takeovers fueled by governance failures and mass protests.
Burkina Faso (2022): Two coups linked to security lapses and mistrust in leadership.
Sudan (2021): Military derailed democratic transition after years of tenure controversies.
Niger (2023): Coup driven by governance concerns and security-related political tensions.
Zimbabwe (2017): Military intervention following Robert Mugabe’s prolonged rule and subsequent attempts to extend presidential tenure.
ADAM-GH warned that such constitutional manipulations weaken institutions, entrench corruption and make military intervention appear attractive to some factions.
The CSO also reminded Ghanaians that President Mahama has already set a historic record, having served nine years across different periods in office one year after the passing of President Atta Mills, a full four-year term after winning the 2012 election and another four years following President Akufo-Addo’s administration.
Azubila argued that Mahama’s legacy is “secure and that the NDC has capable successors who can lead the country for the next 32 years through competent and development-oriented leadership,” with Mahama providing guidance as an experienced statesman.
“Ghana, surrounded by a continent plagued by frequent military takeovers, should not do anything that gives a reason for similar events here,” the statement said.
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