Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has called on President-elect John Dramani Mahama to seize the opportunity of his one-term presidency to push for a development-oriented constitution that truly reflects the aspirations of Ghanaians.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile program, the former Majority Leader highlighted Mahama’s position as a “golden opportunity” to create a lasting legacy by initiating much-needed constitutional reforms.
“This is a golden opportunity for President Mahama to leave a lasting legacy by championing a development-oriented Constitution that reflects the aspirations of the people,” he said. “I believe he cannot afford to miss this occasion.”
The remarks come on the heels of Mahama’s remarkable victory in the December 7 presidential elections, where he secured 56% of the vote against New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who garnered 41%.
The announcement of the results by the Electoral Commission marked the end of an eight-year NPP rule under President Nana Akufo-Addo, whose administration faced heavy criticism for Ghana’s worst economic crisis in decades, an IMF bailout, and a debt default.
Mahama’s victory has been widely celebrated as a comeback for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), with jubilant supporters gathering at the party headquarters in Accra.
In his post-election address, Mahama acknowledged the challenges of the past administration and expressed optimism about a new direction for the country.
“These eight years have witnessed some of the darkest periods of our governance,” he told cheering crowds. “It is time for a fresh start, and we are ready to lead Ghana toward a brighter future.”
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu believes this is precisely why Mahama’s presidency holds such promise. Without the pressure of seeking re-election, he argued, the president-elect is uniquely positioned to focus on transformative reforms.
“Mahama’s one-term presidency gives him the freedom to act decisively,” he stated. “It’s not about political survival; it’s about building a governance system that benefits future generations.”
The call for constitutional reform is not a new topic in Ghana’s political discourse.
For years, there have been debates about decentralizing power, addressing electoral loopholes, and creating a governance structure that promotes accountability and development.
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu emphasized that Mahama has the chance to spearhead these reforms, particularly as public trust in governance is at a crossroads.
