Veteran journalist and managing editor of the Insight Newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, has expressed grave concern over calls from a faction of the public to allow President John Dramani Mahama to run for a third term.
In a write-up shared on X on August 4, 2025, Kwesi Pratt Jnr said that the calls for the amendment of Article 66 of the Constitution, which limits presidential terms to 2 terms, should be taken seriously, describing any attempt to alter it as a disturbing development.
“It is difficult to escape the cacophony of calls for the amendment of the 1992 #Constitution to make it possible for President John Dramani Mahama (@JDMahama) to contest elections for a third term.
“I am deeply worried by this development because I am keenly aware of the lessons of history which teach that this apparent orchestration can only lead to total disaster for everybody,” he said.
Kwesi Pratt recounted how one of Ghana’s military leaders, Colonel Ignatius Kutu Acheampong — who, according to him, was one of the best leaders the country has had—lost the favour of Ghanaians when he attempted to extend his stay in office and eventually lost his life.
“Acheampong’s popularity took a nose-dive when he sought to introduce the Union Government idea, and the general perception was that he wanted to extend his stay in power indefinitely. The resistance was massive, and crucial state resources were diverted from production and put into useless charm projects. The economy suffered,” he wrote.
Kwesi Pratt Jnr added that the suggestion that only one person can lead the country properly is inconceivable and should not be encouraged.
He called on President Mahama, who has remained silent over the suggestion of a third-term presidential bid for him, to clear the air and categorically reject the suggestion.
“The suggestion that out of 35 million citizens of Ghana, only one person can be a good President is extremely foolish and must not be encouraged.
“I have known President #Mahama for a very long time, and I am convinced that he is not power-hungry, but his silence on this issue only encourages those who seek to misuse his popularity and apparent good work. I encourage the President to speak out against the agitation from very strange sources to make him the #KingOfGhana,” he said.
