Ghana’s Political Landscape Defined by Internal Party Friction, Free Speech Debates, and Calls for Reform

Ghana’s political arena is currently characterized by a complex mix of internal party restructuring, heated debates over democratic freedoms, and an urgent push for constitutional reform. While President John Dramani Mahama maintains a relatively high approval rating of 67%, his administration faces dual pressure: internal criticism from party stalwarts regarding the conduct of appointees and external accusations from the opposition regarding the suppression of free speech. Senior National Democratic Congress (NDC) figures, including former MP Kojo Adu Asare and Deputy General Secretary Mustapha Gbande, have publicly warned against 'arrogant' and 'wicked' appointees. Gbande specifically alleged that some officials are sabotaging the presidency to position themselves for leadership ahead of 2028, leading to visible cracks in party unity. Meanwhile, NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah has focused on grassroots outreach, recently donating ¢50,000 to the Bii-Kunuto Educational Fund in the Savannah Region.

On the opposition front, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is navigating its own internal recovery following the 2024 elections. National Chairman hopeful Paul Afoko has introduced a '3R Agenda'—Reunite, Rebuild, and Recapture—emphasizing that the party must prioritize competence over ethnicity to regain its footing, particularly in the Ashanti Region. Simultaneously, the NPP and various media commentators have accused the Mahama administration of using state machinery to intimidate opposition voices. These concerns were brought to the forefront by the arrest of MP Kwame Ohene Frimpong in the Netherlands and allegations of a 'diplomatic ambush.' While administration officials like Social Investment Fund CEO Abass Nurudeen defend the government’s record on free expression, critics like Gordon Asare-Bediako point to a 'worrying authoritarian trend' and the perceived silence of civil society organizations.

Amidst these partisan tensions, a broader conversation regarding Ghana’s governance structure is gaining momentum. There is a renewed call for constitutional reforms, including a proposal supported by former CPP Chairperson Hajia Hamdatu Ibrahim to extend the presidential term from four to five years. Advocates argue that a longer term would facilitate better policy implementation and reduce the distractions caused by early election cycles. This follows recommendations from a review committee led by Prof. H. Kwasi Prempeh, though concerns remain over the slow pace of implementation. Historical perspectives have also resurfaced, with old footage of Joe Appiah warning against 'creeping dictatorship' in previous eras serving as a reminder of the long-standing sensitivity toward executive power in Ghana.

As the country looks toward the 2028 cycle, the resilience of Ghana’s democracy remains a focal point for analysts. Comparisons have been drawn between President Mahama’s current stability and the rapid decline in popularity of international leaders like the UK’s Keir Starmer, serving as a cautionary tale against political complacency. The ability of the NDC to manage internal dissent and the NPP to transition toward competence-based leadership will likely determine the stability of the nation’s political trajectory. Whether through constitutional amendments or shifts in party dynamics, the coming years will test the strength of Ghana’s democratic institutions and the ability of its leaders to maintain public trust amidst economic and social challenges.