Abraham Koomson, the Secretary General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), has said President John Mahama’s decision not to seek re-election was a rushed decision.
The GFL boss expressed his disappointment over President John Dramani Mahama’s decision not to contest the 2028 general elections.
He asserted that a new successor could derail the progress and reforms currently being pursued by President John Mahama.
According to Abraham Koomson, if about 90 per cent of Ghanaians call on Mahama to continue as president as a good leader, he cannot say no.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Yepe Ahunu show on Saturday, August 30, 2025, Abraham Koomson stated, “I think President Mahama rushed himself to say what he said.
“If the mass of the people is about 90%, say they want him to continue, as a good leader like him, he can’t look at his people and say no,” he added.
He, however, acknowledged the importance of constitutional limits, adding that true leadership also involves listening to the masses of people.
However, Solomon Owusu, a leading member of the Movement for Change, has said Ghana needs fresh blood as president after the 2028 election.
The Movement for Change member, using other African countries as examples, cited that the Cameroonian and Equatorial Guinean presidents are tired and bereft of ideas.
Speaking in an interview on Joy Prime, Solomon Owusu stated, “You look at what is happening in Cameroon. You look at what is happening in Equatorial Guinea.
“All of them, you look at the president, you see that they are tired, bereft of ideas. So you have to exit the scene to allow fresh blood to come into the picture.”
He highlighted that John Mahama’s tenure should not go beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms, as he believes Mahama would run out of steam.
“I believe he will be tired after two terms. Whatever ideas he has, by two terms he would have exhausted them. What else?” he stressed.
Solomon Owusu further added that Ghana must focus on building stronger institutions to serve the citizens.
He further added, “Instead of focusing on the president, we must focus on building stronger institutions so that whoever is occupying the position is implementing policies that have been outlined by the state.”
“Granted, you are the best president. So when you die, the country will come to a standstill? No way.”
He reaffirmed, “This is why every president must have two terms. Whatever he has for this country, he has today to do it, not tomorrow”.
“Three years is enough for John Mahama. Oh, yes. It is more than enough. And he must make sure that in 1,480 days, he is able to implement whatever he wishes to do. You won’t give him an extra day.”
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has boldly declared he will not be a candidate in Ghana’s next elections in 2028.
According to John Mahama, stepping aside in 2028 would give him the moral authority to hold the line when it comes to Ghana’s fiscal discipline in an election year.
President Mahama, during a bilateral discussion with Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, criticised the practice of incumbent governments by-passing fiscal safeguards to curry favour with voters, a cycle he will end.
“I will not be a candidate in the next elections and therefore I can hold the line when it comes to fiscal discipline,” he said.
John Mahama’s declaration finally put an end to the growing speculation that he may seek another term in 2028.
Also, Mahama’s declaration received praises from renowned businessman and Executive Chairman of Jonah Capital, Sir Sam Jonah, who has applauded President John Dramani Mahama over his commitment to Ghana’s democratic principles and constitutionalism.
Sir Sam Jonah described John Mahama’s bold declaration not to contest for a third term as a beacon of hope for the African continent.
According to him, President Mahama is a role model for future African leaders.
In a post on social media on Friday, August 2025, Sir Sam Jonah wrote, “John Mahama’s leadership embodies the values of democracy and integrity. Despite calls to amend the constitution for personal gain, he remains committed to upholding the rule of law and respecting the limits of his mandate. His humility, determination, and genuine commitment to leaving a lasting legacy are traits that set him apart as a leader.”
He further described Mahama as “a role model for future African leaders,” adding that the president’s “dedication to democratic principles and constitutionalism is a beacon of hope for our continent. Let’s celebrate his leadership and vision!”