Ghanaian political debate intensifies over term limits and supermajorities

Political tensions are rising in Ghana as members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) suggest the party has sufficient parliamentary strength to amend the constitution. Anthony Nukpenu, an NDC official, stated that the party’s 184-seat majority could initiate a constitutional amendment and national referendum to allow President John Dramani Mahama to seek a third term, bypassing the need for Supreme Court interpretation.

In response to the NDC's parliamentary dominance, New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmaker Dr. Isaac Yaw Opoku has warned against the dangers of a political party holding a supermajority. He accused the NDC of abusing its numerical strength to pass legislation, such as the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) Bill, without adequate stakeholder consultation or thorough scrutiny.

Separately, discussions continue regarding the government's handling of Ghanaian citizens affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa. An NDC official noted that the government's decision to decline a GH¢20 million donation from MTN Ghana was likely due to existing financial provisions already being in place to cover evacuee needs.