The Krontihene of Akyem Asuom, Nana Boadi Amponim Obodade III, has joined the growing chorus of voices calling for constitutional reforms that would allow President John Dramani Mahama to serve beyond Ghana’s current two-term presidential limit.
Speaking passionately at a press briefing, ahead of Mahama’s Thank-You tour in the Eastern Region recently, the traditional leader argued that exceptional leadership should not be constrained by what he called “arbitrary limits.”
Nana Boadi described Mahama as a “Good Samaritan” who had returned at a critical moment to “rescue” Ghana, drawing a powerful comparison to the country’s first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
“In just six months, President Mahama has revived the economy, exposed corruption and restored national hope,” the chief declared.
He referenced recent exposés of alleged corruption scandals, including issues within the National Service Scheme and Public Procurement processes. “It was God’s timely intervention that brought him back,” he said.
The Krontihene extended heartfelt appreciation to former First Lady Lordina Mahama, praising her decision to support her husband’s political comeback.
“If I were her, I would have said – ‘You’ve been MP, Vice President, President, what more do you want?’ But she humbly allowed him to return and for that, we must thank her,” he added.
Nana Boadi voiced strong support for President Mahama’s “Big Push” development agenda, a proposed $10 billion infrastructure and job creation plan, describing it as a vision too important to be constrained by existing term limits.
“The man is doing a yeoman’s job, dependable, diligent, with wisdom and experience. Can such a leader be limited by time?” he asked.
He further disclosed that many traditional leaders and citizens he had engaged share his view, supporting a constitutional amendment that would allow continuity in governance for capable leaders.
The chief also singled out President Mahama’s Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, for praise, calling him “a strong, respectful, hardworking and humble lion.”
He even proposed that Julius Debrah be considered as a potential running mate, should a constitutional referendum pave the way for President Mahama’s extended leadership.
On national security, Nana Boadi urged vigilance ahead of the upcoming by-election in Akwatia, warning of potential political tensions. He called on Ghana’s security services to remain alert and ensure peace.
He appealed to citizens and policymakers to reconsider the structure of Ghana’s democracy: “If we want continuous progress, we must rethink the structure of our democracy, not for personal gain, but for national prosperity.”
