NPP seeks Supreme Court ruling on presidential term limits

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has filed a writ at the Supreme Court of Ghana seeking a definitive interpretation of the constitutional limits on presidential terms. The legal action specifically asks the court to clarify whether the two-term limit established under Article 66 of the 1992 Constitution applies cumulatively to all terms served or only to consecutive terms. This move comes as the political landscape shifts toward the 2028 elections, with the party aiming to determine if President John Mahama is eligible to run for another term in office.

According to the NPP, the constitution should be interpreted to mean that no individual can serve more than two four-year terms in total, regardless of whether those terms are served back-to-back. The party argues that this clarification is necessary to maintain constitutional order and prevent potential breaches of the nation's foundational laws. Henry Nana Boakye, the NPP National Organizer, indicated that the suit serves as a vital counter to existing legal challenges that have argued in favor of President Mahama’s eligibility for the 2028 contest. The party believes its direct involvement is essential to ensure that robust arguments against the possibility of a third term are properly considered by the judiciary.

The legal maneuver has sparked significant debate regarding the criteria for presidential eligibility and the performance of the current administration. Policy analyst Michael Kosi Dedey has expressed skepticism regarding calls for constitutional interpretations or amendments that might facilitate an extended tenure. He noted that the current government’s record must be measured against the significant development seen in other nations under prolonged leadership, arguing that there have been no extraordinary achievements to warrant a deviation from the traditional two-term limit.

As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the case, the ruling is expected to have profound implications for Ghana's democratic framework and the 2028 general elections. If the court affirms that the two-term limit is cumulative, President Mahama—who served a previous term from 2012 to 2017 and began his current term in 2025—would be ineligible for re-election. Conversely, a ruling that the limit applies only to consecutive terms could fundamentally alter the understanding of executive eligibility for future candidates. The case remains a focal point for political stakeholders awaiting clarity on the future of the presidency.