Akyem Asuom Krontihene, Nana Boadi Amponim Obodade III, has sparked national debate by calling for a constitutional referendum that would allow former President John Dramani Mahama to serve beyond the current two-term limit if re-elected.
Speaking passionately during a press engagement ahead of Mahama’s thank-you tour in the Eastern Region, the chief questioned the fairness of term limits that, in his view, prevent exceptional leaders from continuing their work. He described Mahama as a “Good Samaritan” who has returned to rescue Ghana, likening his leadership to the redemptive spirit of Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
“In just six months, President Mahama has revived the economy, exposed corruption, and restored national hope,” he said, citing revelations of financial scandals such as the alleged National Service fraud and procurement irregularities. “It was God’s timely intervention that brought him back.”
Nana Boadi extended gratitude to former First Lady Lordina Mahama, whom he praised for her support of her husband’s return to politics. “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.”
The Krontihene expressed strong belief in the vision of Mahama’s proposed “Big Push” agenda, which includes a $10 billion investment in infrastructure, job creation, and national development. He argued that such a transformative plan should not be cut short by arbitrary 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, revealing that many opinion leaders and citizens he has engaged support constitutional reform to allow continuity in leadership.
He also expressed confidence in key figures in Mahama’s camp, including Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, whom he described as “a strong,respectful, hardworking, humble lion,and even suggested that Chief of Staff be made the President ‘s Running Mate if the Referendum comes on.
Touching on national security, Nana Boadi warned of past political tensions and urged Ghana’s security agencies to remain vigilant ahead of the next bye elections at Akwatia .
He concluded with a plea for peaceful democratic processes as the country considers its path forward.
“If we want continuous progress,” he said, “we must rethink the structure of our democracy — not for personal gain, but for national prosperity.”