Veteran Politician, Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, has issued a strong-worded caution to Ghanaian religious leaders, particularly those within the charisma
Veteran Politician, Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, has issued a strong-worded caution to Ghanaian religious leaders, particularly those within the charismatic faith movement, to stay out of constitutional and political matters following suggestions that President John Dramani Mahama should seek a third presidential term.
In a public statement on Friday, Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe directly referenced the presiding Archbishop of Action Chapel International, Nicholas Duncan-Williams, who recently hinted during a sermon that it had been divinely revealed to him that President Mahama would continue in office beyond the stipulated constitutional term limits.
Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe, a retired military officer, described such pronouncements as “dangerously divisive, unconstitutional, and misleading.”
According to him, Ghana is not governed by “pulpit proclamations” but by the 1992 Constitution, which clearly states that a president may serve only two terms—an entrenched provision that can only be amended through a national referendum.
“Let me state clearly and unequivocally: this must not happen, and it will not happen,” he emphasized.
The former ambassador to Serbia under the Kufuor administration and fierce advocate for democratic governance warned that encouraging Mahama to seek a third term under the guise of prophecy sets a dangerous precedent that could plunge the country into instability.
Drawing historical parallels, Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe recalled how religious interference in state affairs once pushed Ghana toward collapse.
History Repeating?
He referenced the political crisis of the 1970s under military ruler General I.K. Acheampong.
At the time, a prominent religious figure endorsed Acheampong’s Union Government (UNIGOV) idea—a policy designed to abolish party politics in favour of a one-party military-civilian hybrid system.
This proposal, which was widely viewed as an attempt to extend Acheampong’s stay in power, was fiercely opposed by the Ghanaian public.
Despite the regime’s manipulated referendum that claimed popular support, the backlash was swift.
Internal discontent led to a palace coup in July 1978, staged by then Chief of Defence Staff General Fred W.K. Akuffo, alongside other top military commanders.
Acheampong was removed from office, promising a return to democracy.
However, the political turmoil continued, culminating in the June 4, 1979 uprising led by junior military officers and Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings becoming the leader of the country.
The upheaval led to bloodshed and the eventual execution of several top military leaders.
Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe warned that such cycles of instability are often triggered when spiritual leaders overreach and meddle in affairs of governance, under the illusion of divine authority.
“Ghana nearly collapsed under the weight of misguided ambition dressed as divine vision,” he said.
Clergy Must Stay in Their Lane
He further stressed that religious leaders have an important role to play in society—but that role must remain within the spiritual and moral realms, not constitutional governance.
Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe argued that prophecies which hint at the unconstitutional extension of political power not only confuse the public but risk converting churches into political campaign grounds, eroding their credibility and undermining democratic processes.
“We should not allow Ghana to fall prey to such manipulation,” he warned. “Ghanaians are looking for serious leadership… not theatrical spirituality that distorts truth and sows confusion.”
He called on all well-meaning Ghanaians—particularly the clergy—to safeguard the nation’s democratic gains by refraining from injecting spiritual sensationalism into constitutional matters.
Mahama Legacy
The statement also urged President Mahama, who is currently serving his second term after being re-elected in 2024, to resist any temptation to extend his tenure.
Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe advised the president to preserve his legacy by respecting the constitutional limits that brought him into office.
“If any constitutional amendment were ever to be considered, it should not be during his era, and certainly not through pressure from religious circles,” he said.
Final Word
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe asserted that Ghana’s democratic stability must never be sacrificed for populist spirituality or the personal ambitions of any group, religious or otherwise.
“Enough is enough. Ghana deserves better,” he concluded.
COMMENTS