Ghana Mahama third‑term controversy

In early July 2026 a petition was lodged in Ghana’s Supreme Court seeking an interpretation of Article 66(2) of the 1992 Constitution to determine whether the two‑term limit applies only to consecutive terms. The case, brought by a teacher, could potentially allow former President John Dramani Mahama to run again. Officials of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) publicly opposed the petition, warning that a non‑consecutive‑term reading would rewrite the constitution and enable Mahama to stay in power through 2044.

Two weeks later, parliamentary opposition and public opinion intensified. An opposition MP warned Mahama that the electorate would not permit a third term, linking the issue to the 2026 mid‑year budget. A nationwide poll released on 27 July 2026 showed that 65 % of voters supported Mahama’s decision not to seek a third term, while 27 % opposed it; the poll also revealed a split on the broader third‑term debate. The findings reinforced confidence in the constitutional limit and added momentum to the political pushback against any attempt by Mahama to extend his tenure.