Staunch NPP supporter and political critic Okatayie Afrifa-Mensah has issued a strongly worded warning to President John Dramani Mahama, alleging that some individuals are attempting to psychologically prepare Ghanaians for what he describes as an “unconstitutional third-term bid.”
In a lengthy post on his For the Records page, Afrifa-Mensah wrote:
“Dear Mahama,
It is 2:00am. From the quiet of my abode in Trump’s land, I send you greetings, with a promise that I shall soon return, and you know how we do it.”
He accused several prominent personalities of leading efforts to normalize the idea of Mahama returning beyond the constitutional two-term limit.
“There is a silent and dangerous attempt by unscrupulous enemies of the state to prepare the minds of Ghanaians for your unconstitutional third-term bid. Led by Archbishop Duncan Williams, Adu Asare and the likes, but this betrayal of the Republic shall not stand.”
Afrifa-Mensah invoked Ghana’s political history to argue that citizens have consistently resisted leaders who attempted to extend their rule.
“History speaks. Even Kwame Nkrumah who gave us independence, (something you can never do), Ghanaians jubilated his overthrow when he declared himself president for life. (The same Ghanaians who hailed him oo, ayoo). The lesson is simple: The Ghanaian of yesteryear is the same today.”
He continued with references to past military leadership:
“Move forward in time. General Acheampong, by all standards, was far better a president than you. Yet when he overstayed his welcome, his own lieutenants staged a palace coup. Julius Debra and Asiedu Nketiah are no different from General Akufo and his men, waiting, watching, ready.”
Citing the constitution, Afrifa-Mensah insisted that Ghana’s laws allow no room for ambiguity regarding presidential tenure.
“The Constitution under Article 66 is not ambiguous. Two terms. No more. Any attempt to defy this sacred law is nothing less than a coup d’état against the sovereignty of Ghana.”
He warned that any move by Mahama to pursue further leadership would provoke a fierce national backlash.
“You may choose to be power-drunk. You may chase this reckless agenda. But be assured: you will be met with the heaviest resistance in the history of our nation.”
Afrifa-Mensah also referenced past quotes used by Mahama on the campaign trail:
“Remember your own words. On the campaign trail you quoted Clinton: ‘It’s about the economy, stupid.’ Today, it is about respect for the rule of law, stupid! (No insult intended).”
Drawing on historical examples of leaders who overstayed their welcome, he cautioned:
“If you allow these ‘bellyfools’ to deceive you, they will deject you like Laurent Gbagbo of Côte d’Ivoire and Charles Taylor of Liberia, discarded by the very forces that once cheered them on.”
He concluded with a pointed sign-off:
“…and oh! before I retire to bed, let the anger that gave rise to the ‘fake’, ‘decietful’ and ‘unaccountable’ revolution that birthed the party you now benefit from guide you.
A word to the wise is certainly in the north, Bole Idi Amin.
For the people, for the honor, for our country.”
