A coalition of civil society organisations has called for a national referendum to allow Ghanaians to decide whether President John Dramani Mahama should be permitted to seek a third term.
The group, comprising Ghanaians for Progress (GHAPRO), New Voter Forum and the Institute of Security and Safety Policy Research, made the call at a press conference at the International Press Centre on Monday address by the Convener of the group, Steward Rich.
The CSOs said Parliament, the Council of State, the Judiciary and other stakeholders should begin a lawful national conversation on a possible constitutional amendment to enable Mr Mahama to contest again.
They argued that the 1992 Constitution could be amended through the procedures outlined in Article 290, insisting that the Constitution should reflect the will and changing circumstances of Ghanaians.
The group cited a CFF-Ghana survey of 2,223 respondents, which it said showed that 39.2 per cent supported a third-term bid, 29.2 per cent opposed it, while 31.6 per cent had no opinion.
The CSOs said they supported another term for Mr Mahama because of what they described as unfinished national projects, his experience in governance and the need for continuity and stability.
They, however, urged the media to distinguish between verified information and speculation, particularly claims that the President had decided to seek a third term.
The organisations also appealed to political parties to avoid exploiting the issue for partisan purposes, stressing that Ghana’s democracy was bigger than the fortunes of any individual politician or political party.
Although President Mahama has publicly rejected calls for a third term, the CSOs urged him to allow the appropriate constitutional processes to take place if Ghanaians wanted the matter considered.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com