Actor Wayoosi urges Mahama to run again in 2028

Ghanaian actor Joseph Osei, widely known as Wayoosi, has stirred heated debate on social media after openly appealing to President John Dramani Mahama to consider running for a third term in office.

In a passionate post, the Kumawood star and outspoken supporter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) framed his plea as a call for national stability and development. He even compared Mahama to Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, insisting that his continued leadership would be vital for the nation’s future.

Speaking directly to the president, Wayoosi said: “The country is crying for you. It needs your help. You have two-thirds of Parliament. Use the opportunity to amend the constitution and run for a third term.”

The actor also praised Mahama’s recent speech at the 80th United Nations General Assembly, describing it as evidence of the president’s international credibility. According to him, the address even influenced the reversal of certain U.S. visa restrictions on Ghana. Wayoosi further warned: “If you don’t consider this, there could be demonstrations across Ghana urging you to run for a third term.”

However, Ghana’s 1992 Constitution clearly limits presidents to two four-year terms. Mahama himself has publicly dismissed suggestions of seeking another mandate, despite persistent speculation earlier in 2025 following remarks by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin. The president has since reiterated his respect for constitutional limits.

Wayoosi’s appeal has divided public opinion. Supporters argue that major progress in the economy, governance, and infrastructure could justify calls for continuity. “If by December 2027 the cedi holds, major projects are completed, and corruption is checked, we’ll push him to stay,” one user wrote.

Critics, however, were quick to dismiss the plea. “He’s tasted politics money, now he’s begging,” another scoffed.

Though it remains unlikely that Mahama will seek a third term, Wayoosi’s intervention has reignited a broader conversation about leadership, constitutional term limits, and public expectations in Ghana’s political space.