A member of the Movement for Change, Solomon Owusu, has cautioned former President John Mahama against making a U-turn on his earlier declaration not to seek re-election.
Speaking on Joy Prime’s Prime Insight, Mr. Owusu warned that any attempt by Mahama to contest again would face strong resistance from both Ghanaians and members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“If President Mahama goes for a second tenure of office, we will sack him,” he stated, insisting that leaders must remain true to their word.
According to him, several NDC members are eager to lead and would resist any attempt by Mahama to break his promise, stressing that such a move could undermine public trust and divide the party.
He urged Mahama to focus on delivering on his campaign pledges in his remaining three years rather than contemplating another run.
“He has to use the three years to do anything he wants to do before he exhausts his time,” he said, adding that the former president’s credibility rests on keeping faith with Ghanaians.
Mr. Owusu further argued that pursuing another term would stifle fresh ideas and hinder national progress. He called for younger leaders to be given the opportunity to serve.
“He should exit and let fresh blood come and perform as well,” he emphasised.
On governance reforms, he proposed that presidential term limits be reinforced, noting that even the most effective leaders should be restricted to two terms.
“Even if you are the best president, there must be a policy of just two terms of office,” he said.
He also described Mahama’s earlier public declaration not to contest again as unnecessary, since the constitution already limits presidents to two terms.
“It was needless for the president to come out and say he won’t be running, because it is already written in the constitution,” he remarked.
Mr. Owusu urged Ghanaians not to support any future bid by Mahama, stressing that two terms are sufficient for any leader to make an impact.
Turning to the upcoming by-election, he criticised the rising tension between the NPP and NDC, saying politics should be about policies, not violence.
“Sometimes, an election is not about winning but letting people understand your policies,” he noted.
He urged politicians to shun electoral violence, emphasising that effective leaders should not fear defeat.
“If you know your policies are good, there is no need to shed blood. As an MP, if you did your duties and responsibilities well during your tenure of office, you shouldn’t be scared,” he said.
Mr. Owusu concluded by urging Mahama to concentrate on fulfilling his promises to Ghanaians, arguing that doing so would strengthen public trust and justify the mandate given to him.
Source: Myjoyonline
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