Bold stance on term limits: say no to a presidential third term.
In a recent appearance on Joy News’ AM Show, the topic of a third presidential term was raised, and I felt a sense of unease as the Majority Leader of Parliament fielded a string of questions from the host. My concern stemmed from two main worries. First, I expected an immediate caution about the impropriety of tinkering with constitutional term limits. Second, engaging with the idea, in my view, risks lending credibility to a growing narrative that the current administration might attempt to adjust or reinterpret the presidential two-term cap to allow another term.
Whether driven by political mischief or sincere intent, those pushing this idea should pause and consider the dangers of pursuing such a path, especially now when West Africa’s democratic landscape is already facing pressures.
Ghanaians favor term limits
A crucial context, backed by Afrobarometer data, is that Ghanaians broadly support two-term limits for presidents. The latest Round 10 (2024) survey asked respondents to choose between two statements about constitutional limits. About 71% favored limiting the president to two terms, while 27% did not. This question has been posed seven times previously (2002, 2008, 2012, 2014, 2017, 2019, 2022), with national support for two-term limits consistently ranging from 70% to 80%. The preference for term limits reflects a clear public consensus.
Second, comparing Ghana with neighboring countries that have altered term limits to entrench power shows a different pattern. Ghanaian public opinion, by contrast, strongly rejects political entrenchment. To illustrate, Afrobarometer Round 9 (2022) found 69% agreeing that in a democracy power should sometimes change hands through elections, up from 62% in Round 10 (2024). Some may argue that turnover is less important if elections are free and fair, but the key condition is genuine electoral freedom—not constitutional tinkering.
A related trend shows growing resistance to one-party rule. Support for multi-party turnover rose from 78% in Round 1 (1999) to 85% in Round 10 (2024). Similarly, opposition to one-man rule held steady at around 86–87% across those rounds. These figures indicate a public mood that favors democratic competition over consolidation of power.
The risks of altering term limits are real, and many observers worry about the political consequences of any move in that direction. In a climate where citizens have demonstrated a strong preference for political turnover and pluralism, experimenting with term limits could sow instability rather than security for the country’s democratic future.
A clear call: reject the idea
The President has stated his commitment to respecting constitutional term limits, and I accept this pledge. Publicly entertaining the notion could tarnish the legacy he seeks to build. While the discussion may not disappear, I urge him to remain firm in rejecting the idea and to reiterate his commitment to upholding term limits whenever questions arise in public forums.
Those who promote this idea should also disengage from the conversation.
Our two major political parties have, even amid rising election-year tensions, contributed to the peace and stability of our democracy by accepting healthy political competition as the means to win and govern. I doubt that mutual understanding would endure if there were attempts to bend constitutional limits.
The media should also exercise prudence. I’m not asking for censorship of public discourse, but I am asking for careful framing of questions and responsible coverage that does not normalize or sensationalize the prospect of a third term.
If you care about Ghana’s democratic peace and stability, stand against the push for a presidential third term.
The author serves as Project Director, Democracy Project.
