Mahama’s 2028 Intentions Gain Majority Support Amid Contentious Parliamentary Recall and National Cathedral Audit

Recent polling data from Global InfoAnalytics reveals that a significant majority of Ghanaians—65%—support President John Dramani Mahama’s decision not to seek a third term in the 2028 general elections. The survey, conducted in late July 2026, shows broad agreement across party lines, including 76% of New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters and 59% of National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters. While the President’s public stance has quelled much of the debate, groups such as Ghanaians for Progress (GHAPRO) continue to advocate for a third term, citing "unfinished business" and the need for exceptional leadership. This public discourse comes as the administration navigates a busy legislative and accountability agenda early in the President's current term.

Simultaneously, a political row has erupted over Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to recall Parliament from its recess for an extraordinary sitting from August 24 to August 28, 2026. While the Speaker cited "urgent parliamentary business" under Order 58(4) of the Standing Orders, the move has drawn sharp criticism from Deputy Minority Whip Habib Iddrisu. The MP for Tolon labeled the recall a "waste of taxpayers' money," arguing that the primary agenda—the approval of two ministerial nominees—is not an emergency. Iddrisu noted that the ministries in question have functioned without substantive heads for nearly a year, suggesting the matters could have waited until the scheduled resumption in October.

Accountability remains a central theme as Minister of State Felix Kwakye Ofosu confirmed that the forensic audit report on the National Cathedral project was submitted to the Attorney General on August 7, 2026. The report is currently under review to determine subsequent legal actions. This development follows a scathing critique by Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine, who argued that funds allocated for the Cathedral should have been used to complete hospitals under the Agenda 111 initiative. Dr. Ayine emphasized that the construction of a religious facility should have been handled with more care, referencing a PwC report that suggested the diverted funds could have significantly benefited national healthcare infrastructure.

On the development front, the government is moving forward with significant infrastructure and social commitments. The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources announced the final phase of the Appiatse Redevelopment Project, set to begin in mid-September 2026, which will provide new homes for 69 households displaced by the 2022 explosion. Concurrently, the Ministry of Transport has commissioned a six-month feasibility study for a coastal water transport route between Keta and Axim. However, local challenges persist; farmers in Bolgatanga have expressed disappointment over failed World Bank-funded irrigation projects, and traders at the Konkomba Yam Market are urging the Accra Metropolitan Assembly to reconsider demolition plans for a new "24-hour economy" market project to avoid disrupting food supply chains.