Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu has dismissed the renewed debate over President John Dramani Mahama’s possible third-term bid, describing it as political propaganda by the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
According to him, there has never been any real uncertainty about Ghana’s constitutional provisions on presidential term limits, nor has President Mahama given any indication that he intends to seek a third term.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face on Tuesday, August 4, Mr Kwakye Ofosu said the NPP introduced the issue during the 2024 election campaign when it became apparent that the party was heading for defeat.
He said the third-term narrative was an attempt by the opposition to create fear and uncertainty among voters.
“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.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu stressed that President Mahama has consistently maintained that he will not seek another term after completing his current tenure.
He cited statements made by the President on both local and international platforms, including remarks made during an engagement in Singapore, as evidence that his position has remained unchanged.
“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,” he added.
The government spokesperson, however, acknowledged that the Supreme Court’s eventual decision in a case seeking clarity on presidential term limits could provide further interpretation of the relevant provisions of the 1992 Constitution.
He maintained that, from the government’s understanding, the law is already clear on the matter.
“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 said.
The third-term debate has resurfaced amid legal proceedings before the Supreme Court seeking interpretation of constitutional provisions relating to presidential term limits.
Despite the ongoing case, Mr Kwakye Ofosu said there is currently no indication that President Mahama has changed his position or plans to pursue a third term.
“There’s no indication, as of now, that President Mahama has changed his mind on the matter,” he said.
