TEMA, Ghana, 3 January: The Secretary General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Abraham Koomson, has cautioned that recent comments by the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, describing calls for a third presidential term for President John Dramani Mahama as “sycophancy,” could harm the unity and stability of the party.
According to Mr. Koomson, the remarks were ill advised and poorly delivered, warning that such statements risk deepening internal divisions within the NDC.
Speaking on Yepe Ahunu, a current affairs programme on Ahotor FM on Saturday, January 1, Mr. Koomson said there was nothing wrong with party supporters advocating for a third term for President Mahama, stressing that the NDC’s victory in the 2024 general elections was largely driven by the President’s leadership and appeal.
His comments follow recent remarks by Mr. Kwetey, which sparked controversy within the party. The NDC General Secretary had criticised party members calling for a third presidential term for President Mahama, describing such appeals as the height of sycophancy.
Addressing a gathering, Mr. Kwetey expressed concern about what he described as a growing culture of excessive praise and unquestioning loyalty within the party, arguing that some individuals believe flattering party leaders is the only path to relevance or personal gain.
He dismissed the calls outright, branding them “pure sycophancy” and “boot-licking of the highest order.”
Reacting to these comments, Mr. Koomson questioned what alternative preparations the party was making should President Mahama decide not to contest again.
He stated that, in his view and in the view of many of his followers, President Mahama remains the right leader to steer the country forward.
Mr. Koomson said Mr. Kwetey could have used the platform to urge calm among party members on the sensitive issue of a third term, rather than speaking in a manner he believes was inflammatory.
He noted that many of those praising President Mahama are not doing so because of personal benefit, but because of the President’s record and performance in office so far.
He stressed that he personally has not benefited from President Mahama and therefore cannot be described as a sycophant, adding that his support is based on his assessment of the President’s leadership and character.
According to the GFL Secretary General, Mr. Kwetey’s comments were inappropriate and risk creating unnecessary tension within the party.
He therefore called on the NDC Council of Elders to intervene and put measures in place to prevent such utterances from being made publicly, warning that they are not in the party’s best interest.
Mr. Koomson further argued that President Mahama deserves the praise he is receiving, noting that his experience in office has taught him valuable lessons which he is now demonstrating in his leadership.
He described President Mahama as non-vindictive, acknowledging that while he is human and capable of mistakes, his current approach to governance reflects growth and maturity.
He also praised the President for easing some of the economic hardships facing Ghanaians, citing fuel prices as an example, and claiming that the cost of fuel he currently purchases is lower than what prevailed under the previous NPP administration.
Mr. Koomson warned that the NDC General Secretary should refrain from making such comments in the future, adding that if the Council of Elders fails to act, the party risks weakening itself and giving the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) an opportunity to regain relevance.
He concluded by stating emphatically that he supports the calls for a third term for President John Dramani Mahama and insisted that Mr. Kwetey should refrain from further public commentary on the matter.
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Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/Ahotoronline.com | Ghana 🇬🇭