Omanghana
The Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has maintained that Ghana’s 1992 Constitution does not permit any individual to serve more than two terms as President, regardless of whether those terms are consecutive or separated by a break in office.
Speaking on July 11, 2026, CDD-Ghana Research Fellow Dr. John Osae-Kwapong said the constitutional provision governing presidential term limits is clear and leaves no room for alternative interpretations.
According to him, Article 66 of the Constitution imposes a maximum of two presidential terms on any individual, irrespective of the sequence in which those terms are served.
Debate Follows Supreme Court Action
Dr. Osae-Kwapong’s comments come amid renewed public debate over presidential term limits following a suit filed at the Supreme Court.
On July 9, 2026, Ganiwu Alhassan, a teacher from Kpandai, filed a writ against the Attorney-General seeking a judicial interpretation of Article 66(2) of the Constitution.
The plaintiff argues that the constitutional provision only prohibits a president from serving more than two consecutive terms. Based on that interpretation, the suit contends that a former president who returns to office after a break—such as President John Dramani Mahama—could be eligible to contest another election.
CDD Rejects Alternative Interpretation
Responding to the legal challenge, Dr. Osae-Kwapong said CDD-Ghana disagrees with that interpretation, insisting that the Constitution clearly limits every individual to two presidential terms in total.
He argued that the constitutional language does not require further reinterpretation, maintaining that the two-term limit applies regardless of whether the terms are served consecutively or at different periods.
Think Tank Warns Against Third-Term Debate
CDD-Ghana has also cautioned against attempts to reopen discussions on presidential term limits, arguing that such debates could undermine democratic governance.
Dr. Osae-Kwapong urged President Mahama to focus on governance and legacy-building rather than allowing public discourse to be dominated by speculation over a possible third-term bid.
Meanwhile, CDD-Ghana’s Director of Policy Engagement, Dr. Kojo Asante, warned that efforts to extend presidential tenure have contributed to political instability in parts of West Africa. He noted that constitutional controversies surrounding term limits have, in some countries, heightened political tensions and weakened democratic institutions.
Mahama Reiterates Position
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings and public commentary, President John Dramani Mahama has repeatedly stated that he has no intention of seeking a third presidential term or pursuing constitutional amendments to extend his tenure in office.
The Supreme Court is expected to determine the legal questions raised in the suit, a decision that could further clarify the interpretation of Article 66 of the 1992 Constitution.
Source: Omanghana
