John Dramani Mahama is the President of Ghana
The victory of Ghana lies in its constitutional democracy, which is the foundation of the peace and stability we enjoy as a nation. It is therefore imperative that we guard this democracy jealously by rejecting any agenda—personal, political, or even religious—that seeks to undermine it.
By now, President John Dramani Mahama, having been sworn into office again, should have made a decisive and statesmanlike declaration that he will not seek a third term.
Such an announcement would not only reassure Ghanaians and international observers of Ghana’s democratic integrity, but also offer a valuable moment to reflect on our political history and constitutional journey. It would reaffirm Ghana’s leadership in democratic governance in Africa and strengthen our reputation as a stable, forward-looking nation.
Ghana’s political story is one of resilience, reversals, and renewal.
At independence in 1957, under the leadership of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana stood tall as the first sub-Saharan African country to break free from colonial rule. However, the years that followed were marked by political instability—military coups, suspended constitutions, and short-lived civilian administrations. These setbacks threatened national unity and democratic development.
This history must never be repeated. Any agenda aimed at extending presidential tenure beyond two terms risks dragging the nation back into instability. We must avoid the temptation of personal ambition overriding national interest.
Across the continent, several presidents have attempted to alter constitutional term limits for personal gain. The consequences have been dire—weakening of democratic institutions, political unrest, economic decline, and sometimes armed conflict.
The 1992 Constitution represents a solemn social contract between the people of Ghana and those who govern in their name. It was drafted after extensive consultations and approved by referendum, laying the foundation for democratic order.
A core pillar of this Constitution is the limitation of presidential tenure to two terms. Article 66(2) clearly states: “A person shall not be elected to hold office as President of Ghana for more than two terms.”
This provision was not an accident. It was included to prevent authoritarianism and to guarantee the peaceful transfer of power—an essential feature of functional democracies. Since the Constitution’s adoption, Ghana has experienced multiple peaceful transitions of power, cementing its status as one of Africa’s most stable democracies.
It has been almost eight months since President Mahama was sworn into office, yet he has remained notably silent on the issue of whether he intends to seek a third term. He has also avoided media engagement, raising legitimate questions: Is he avoiding being asked the tough questions? Is the silence a strategy to test the political waters before making a move?
This ambiguity does little to assure the public. In fact, it creates unnecessary speculation, undermining public trust in leadership. As a statesman, President Mahama must rise above politics and declare unambiguously that he will not seek a third term.
By choosing to respect the constitutional limits, President Mahama will reinforce his legacy as a democrat and a leader who puts country before self. Such a declaration would not only demonstrate personal conviction but also uphold the strength of Ghana’s democratic institutions—the judiciary, civil society, the Electoral Commission, and the media—all of which have played vital roles in preserving constitutionalism.
Leadership is not a lifetime entitlement; it is stewardship. This is the example Ghana must continue to set for other nations on the continent. Today’s youth see Ghana’s democracy not just as a system of government, but as a national treasure—one that must be protected and passed on. As Ghana prepares for the next round of elections in 2028, attention must be focused on peaceful campaigns, free and fair elections, and upholding the integrity of democratic institutions.
Any attempt to amend the Constitution or test its limits for personal gain would be a betrayal of the sacrifices made to build the Fourth Republic.
Ghana’s democratic journey has not been easy, but it has been worth it. Reaffirming the constitutional two-term limit will be a powerful message that Ghana’s democracy is maturing, resilient, and built to last. It will reflect the spirit of the 1992 Constitution and the aspirations of the Ghanaian people for accountable and principled leadership.
In a region where democratic norms are often threatened by autocratic ambitions, Ghana stands tall. A public declaration by President Mahama that he will not seek a third term will serve as a beacon of democratic maturity—not just for Ghana, but for all of Africa.
