NDC 'hawks' are influencing Mahama's government - Afenyo-Markin alleges

Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has alleged that influential figures within the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) have ‘tied the hands’ of President John Dramani Mahama, preventing him from governing in line with the moderate leadership style for which he is known.

According to a report by myjoyonline.com on Friday, July 17, 2026, Afenyo-Markin said President Mahama has always projected himself as a calm and reform-minded leader, but argued that those qualities are not reflecting in his current administration.

"From what I see so far, I think the hawks have more or less tied his hands. The hawks in the party are influencing the direction of government," Afenyo-Markin alleged.

In his estimation, the President appears determined to pursue reforms but suggested that key actors within the ruling party are shaping government decisions.

"I think that Mr President comes across as someone who is determined to pursue reforms," he said.

Reflecting on his long-standing acquaintance with the President, the Effutu MP said Mahama's calm and centrist approach had earned him widespread admiration over the years.

"Knowing him as a student back in the day, he was a calm, centrist-thinking person, and that earned him the admiration of many Ghanaians," he stated.

Afenyo-Markin further argued that President Mahama's current term offers him the opportunity to build a lasting legacy, noting that his first administration was marked by several uncertainties.

"We can say that his first term had some uncertainties, but now it is his final term," he said.

He also raised concerns over speculation that the President could be considering a third presidential bid, describing the reports as disturbing, although he acknowledged they remain unconfirmed.

'Hawks in NDC are destroying President Mahama's image' - Minority Leader

"Some people are putting it into his mind that he can go for a third term. We are hearing it from government circles, and some people in government are not comfortable with that idea," he alleged.

He urged President Mahama to publicly dismiss any suggestion that he intends to seek another term beyond the constitutional two-term limit.

"It appears, though it is unconfirmed, that Mr President is interested in a third term. So, maybe he would have to reassure the nation that it is not an idea he wants to entertain at all," he said.

The Minority Leader also called on the President to use his final years in office to end the cycle of political retaliation between successive governments.

"I think that Mr President would leave a good legacy if he is able to end this vicious cycle of 'you do me, I do you'," he said.

Afenyo-Markin acknowledged that both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have contributed to political victimisation over the years.

"I concede that we, the two political parties, have not done enough to stop this idea of political witch-hunt. I concede. But there must be an end somewhere," he stated.

MRA/VPO

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