Mahama fancies himself as an autocrat, a ruler for life – Afenyo Markin

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has criticized President John Dramani Mahama. He claims Mahama no longer sees himself as a leader. Instead, he believes Mahama views himself as an autocrat.

Afenyo-Markin pointed to the inauguration's guest list. It included military dictators and authoritarian sympathizers. He suggested this reflects a cynical agenda to amend the Constitution for a third term.

He presented a petition in Parliament on behalf of his group. He accused the president of weaponizing security services against political opponents. Private citizens, including former officials, have had their rights violated.

Afenyo-Markin described this situation as tyranny disguised as democracy. He noted that senior military officers have been dismissed unjustly. The military, once respected for its non-partisanship, is now seen as biased.

He stated that Mahama's actions indicate an intention to subdue rather than serve the nation. Afenyo-Markin expressed concern about the president's plans to manipulate the Judiciary for power.

In response, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga defended President Mahama. He claimed Afenyo-Markin is planting ideas about a third term in Ghanaians' minds. Ayariga said he hasn't heard widespread discussion about this topic among Ghanaians or NDC strategists.

He added that concerns about Mahama running for a third term arose before he filed to contest in 2024. Some even threatened legal action to prevent him from running again.

Afenyo-Markin’s comments highlight ongoing tensions in Ghanaian politics regarding leadership and governance.