Religious Leaders: Hands Off Our Constitution

I have watched with growing alarm as certain religious figures—particularly within the charismatic movement—have begun suggesting that President John Dramani Mahama should seek a third term. They cloak this dangerous ambition in the guise of “prophetic revelation.” Let me be unequivocally clear: this cannot and will not happen.

Such pronouncements are not only misleading and unconstitutional; they are profoundly divisive. Ghana is a constitutional democracy. Our 1992 Constitution explicitly limits a president to two terms. This is not a suggestion—it is an entrenched clause. To alter it would require a national referendum, not dreams, visions, or so-called prophetic declarations.

No pastor, prophet, or preacher should attempt to drag our nation backward with careless proclamations that ignore the rule of law. Ghana is governed by the will of its people, enshrined in our Constitution—not by pronouncements from a pulpit. We cannot allow misguided voices to stoke political instability in the name of spirituality.

We’ve walked this path before. In the late 1970s, a prominent religious figure encouraged then-Head of State General I.K. Acheampong to push for a Union Government (UNIGOV)—a dangerous concept designed to abolish political parties and entrench his rule under the guise of national unity.

But the Ghanaian people rejected it. Despite the regime’s claims of victory in a referendum overseen by Justice I.K. Abban, the process lacked transparency and ignited widespread dissent. Acheampong’s refusal to accept the verdict deepened public frustration and fractured the Armed Forces.

This tragically led to a palace coup in July 1978, staged by a group of service commanders including General Fred Akuffo, Rear Admiral Joy Amedume, Air Vice Marshal Yaw Boakye, Major General Odartey-Wellington, General R.E.A. Kotei, and Major General Edward Utuka. Acheampong was removed and replaced by Akuffo, who promised a return to civilian rule. This, in turn, set the stage for the June 4, 1979 Revolution led by Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings.

This devastating chain of events began when spiritual figures overstepped their mandate and meddled in matters of governance. Ghana nearly collapsed under the weight of misguided ambition dressed as divine vision. We must not repeat that mistake.

President John Mahama is serving his constitutional terms. If any constitutional amendment were ever to be considered, it should not be during his tenure—and certainly not under pressure from religious circles. He must be allowed to protect his legacy and contribute to national development in other ways.

Furthermore, these “prophecies” risk turning our churches into political platforms, eroding public trust and confusing the faithful. Ghanaians are looking for genuine leadership—individuals committed to agriculture, job creation, and good governance—not theatrical spirituality that distorts truth and sows confusion.

We cannot allow Ghana to fall prey to such manipulation. I urge all well-meaning citizens, especially members of the clergy, to focus on their divine calling and leave constitutional matters to legal and political experts. Ghana’s peace and democratic stability must never be sacrificed for personal ambition or populist spirituality.

The political class must be allowed to work without interference from religious extremism masquerading as divine guidance.

Enough is enough. Ghana deserves better.

Togbui Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe