Third-Term Debate Is NPP Propaganda, Not a Constitutional Issue – Felix Kwakye Ofosu

Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu has rejected claims that President John Dramani Mahama is considering a third presidential term, describing the renewed debate as a politically motivated narrative driven by the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu said there has never been any ambiguity regarding Ghana’s constitutional provisions on presidential term limits or President Mahama’s own position on the issue.

According to him, the controversy only gained traction during the 2024 election campaign when the NPP, sensing electoral defeat, introduced the issue as a campaign strategy.

“What happened was that in the heat of the 2024 elections, the NPP somehow saw that all was lost. So they came up with this very desperate bit of propaganda about the third term. But it was never really an issue,” he said.

He emphasized that President Mahama has consistently maintained that he has no intention of seeking another term beyond his current mandate, noting that the President has repeated this position on several occasions, both in Ghana and abroad.

“President Mahama has been clear on it. It was on an international platform in Singapore; he said so. About three weeks ago, he said the same,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stated.

While acknowledging the ongoing Supreme Court case seeking an interpretation of the constitutional provisions governing presidential tenure, the government spokesperson said the administration believes the Constitution is already clear on the matter.

He said the court’s ruling may provide additional legal clarity, but insisted that the government’s interpretation leaves no room for uncertainty.

“Maybe the Supreme Court will bring further clarity to them. But as far as we are concerned, it’s very clear. And there’s no doubt about it,” he added.

The renewed discussion over presidential term limits follows a legal action asking the Supreme Court to interpret Article 66(2) of the 1992 Constitution, particularly whether a person who has served two non-consecutive terms as President can contest for office again.

Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stressed that President Mahama has not indicated any intention to seek another term.

“There’s no indication, as of now, that President Mahama has changed his mind on the matter,” he said.

Yaw Opoku Amoako

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