Minority Vows To Resist NDC’s ‘Third-Term’ Agenda

The Minority Caucus in Parliament has called on President John Dramani Mahama to publicly and unequivocally declare his lack of interest in seeking a third term in office, warning that any attempt to amend or reinterpret the constitution to extend presidential tenure would undermine Ghana’s democratic foundations.

In a statement issued on December 22, 2025 and signed by the Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the Caucus said its renewed demand was prompted by “influential figures within the governing party”, who continue to openly advocate constitutional amendments or “dubious interpretations” aimed at extending presidential term limits.

“We urge the President to publicly, unequivocally and repeatedly denounce any scheme for a third term or life presidency,” the statement said, adding that President Mahama’s legacy would depend on “upholding, not weakening our democratic norms established over three decades.”

The statement followed a high-level meeting between the Minority Caucus leadership and President Mahama at the Jubilee House on Monday, December 22, 2025.

The engagement formed part of Parliament’s oversight role and ongoing consultations with the Office of the President on matters of national interest and governance.

Present at the meeting were officials from the Presidency, including President Mahama, as well as the Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Andrew Asiamah Amoako.

The Majority side was represented by the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Mahama Ayariga; Deputy Majority Leader, Kweku George Ricketts-Hagan and Second Deputy Majority Whip, Richard Acheampong.

The Minority delegation was led by the Minority Leader, Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, and included the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei; Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh; First Deputy Minority Whip, Habib Iddrisu and Second Deputy Minority Whip, Jerry Ahmed Shaib.

According to the statement, the Minority Leader used the meeting to formally present what the Caucus described as “grave concerns” posing critical threats to Ghana’s democracy, constitutional order, national security and governance stability.

Among the key issues raised was the escalating menace of illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey and the alleged direct and indirect role of the GoldBod in legitimising illegal gold mining through weak traceability systems.

The Caucus warned that without strict chain-of-custody and due diligence measures, the state risks becoming a formal purchaser of illegally mined gold, thereby, sanctioning environmental destruction.

The Minority cited reports by Pure Earth, the Environmental Protection Authority, A Rocha Ghana, and Global Forest Watch, which indicate rising levels of toxic metal contamination, increased river turbidity, and significant forest cover loss since January 2025.

Investigative reports by The Fourth Estate and IMANI Ghana were also referenced as exposing alleged collusion involving local government officials, political operatives and elements of the security services.

The Caucus further criticised the effectiveness of the Blue Water Guards, describing their strategies as inadequate in halting environmental degradation.

On public sector employment, the Minority expressed “profound concern” over the dismissal of about 2,802 public servants through directives from the Office of the Chief of Staff, arguing that the move undermines the independence and professionalism of the civil service.

Citing Ghana Statistical Service data showing 1.3 million unemployed youth, the Caucus urged an immediate halt to the dismissals and called for a transparent review process grounded in due process.

The Minority also raised concerns about what it termed the “weaponisation” of election petitions, alleging that litigation is being used to overturn parliamentary victories in selected opposition-held constituencies to engineer by-elections.

It called on the President to condemn the use of courts for partisan advantage and to respect the verdict of voters.

Relatedly, the Caucus decried what it described as the systematic targeting and harassment of the Minority leadership, including attempts to remove the Minority Leader from the ECOWAS Parliament and refer him to Parliament’s Privileges Committee.

Other issues presented included alleged partisan discrimination in the payment of contractors, the withdrawal of incentives under the One District One Factory (1D1F) initiative, selective prosecution and punitive bail conditions, and rising youth unemployment, which the Minority warned has become a national security threat.

The Caucus also drew attention to what it described as pervasive national insecurity, citing rising incidents of violent crime, kidnappings, and public perceptions of impunity, and urged urgent reforms and resourcing of the security agencies.

In its closing appeal, the Minority said the issues raised reflect a “dangerous pattern” that threatens the stability of the Republic, stressing that history would judge current leaders on whether they protected or weakened Ghana’s democratic institutions.

“The power to reverse these troubling trends rests significantly with the President,” the statement said, adding that the Minority remains ready for constructive dialogue and action in the national interest.

The Caucus said it would closely monitor developments and “will not hesitate to use all constitutional and parliamentary means available” to defend democracy and safeguard the welfare of Ghanaians.

 

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