Felix Ofosu Kwakye, Member of Parliament for Abura-Asebu- Kwamankese and Minister for Government Communication, has vehemently dismissed claims by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) that President John Dramani Mahama is seeking a third term in office.
Speaking on UTV’s MpuNeMpu program monitored by Kumasimail, Ofosu Kwakye described the allegations as “senseless lies from the pit of hell” and urged Ghanaians to disregard them entirely.
He said “It’s not true that President Mahama wants a third term. I’ve known President Mahama for at least 20 years.
What the NPP people are saying are ridiculous lies. They tell lies that are ridiculous. The NPP always peddles senseless lies.”
Ofosu Kwakye, who has known President Mahama for over two decades, emphasized the president’s commitment to peace and constitutionalism.
“If we want someone who is peaceful, it is him,” he stated.
He criticized the NPP for spreading what he called “ridiculous lies” and “senseless” accusations aimed at tarnishing the president’s reputation.
The minister elaborated on the constitutional mechanisms that make a third term impossible without overwhelming public support.
“To amend the provision on the constitution for a third term, you need to conduct a referendum,” he explained.
“Such a referendum requires a two-thirds majority of Ghanaians who cast their votes. There is no way a party can secure two-thirds of votes in Ghana; it simply cannot happen”, he emphasized.
He challenged the opposition to reflect on President Mahama’s character and political history, asking the host Maame Yaa Konamah rhetorically, “you have followed Ghanaian politics for a long time, does President Mahama look like someone who would seek a third term contrary to the law?”
Ofosu Kwakye highlighted President Mahama’s tolerance and respect for political opponents, citing the example of Manasseh Awuni, a journalist whose critical publications were blamed for the NDC’s loss in the 2016 elections.
Despite Awuni’s harsh criticism, the president reportedly ordered his security detail to protect Awuni’s home from potential attacks by angry supporters.
“This is a man who respects the law and human rights. How then can he act against the constitution or seek absolute power?”, Ofosu Kwakye asserted.
Addressing concerns about presidential power, the minister clarified that Ghana’s democracy operates with strong checks and balances.
“There is no absolute power here except in a military coup where the constitution is suspended,” he said.
He then added “Yes, the president has significant power, but it is not absolute. If he does something illegal, the courts will intervene. A high court can declare an action illegal, and the president must stop.”
Felix Ofosu Kwakye urged Ghanaians to reject the NPP’s claims as baseless and nonsensical.
“Let me state emphatically, the claim by the NPP that President Mahama wants a third term is a lie that makes no sense. It is completely unfounded,” he remarked.
Source : www.kumasimail.com /Kwadwo Owusu
