The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has categorically rejected claims that President John Dramani Mahama is plotting to amend Ghana’s 1992 Constitution to seek a third term in office.
The party’s Legal Director, Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, has described the allegations as baseless, politically motivated, and intended to mislead the public.
In a strongly worded statement, Godwin Tamakloe—who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority—emphasized that, “President John Dramani Mahama has demonstrated deep respect for the rule of law and much more greater fidelity to the 1992 Constitution. President Mahama has no plans to amend the Constitution to allow for a third term.”
This rebuttal follows comments made by the General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, who alleged on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo morning show that the NDC is orchestrating a constitutional amendment process to extend Mahama’s tenure beyond the legally permitted two terms.
Justin Kodua further suggested that the recent suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo is part of a broader NDC strategy to remove judicial obstacles and reinterpret Article 66(2) of the Constitution—which limits presidents to two terms.
According to Kodua, there are discussions within the ruling party to frame the term limit clause as applying only to consecutive terms, which would theoretically permit Mahama to seek another term after returning to power in 2024.
“This is the motivation behind the Chief Justice’s suspension,” Kodua alleged, claiming that the constitutional review process underway is being manipulated to favour Mahama.
But the NDC has vehemently denied this narrative.
Tamakloe called the allegations “a calculated sinister attempt to court public disaffection for the person of President Mahama,” and insisted there is no “nexus” between the constitutional review process and the Chief Justice’s suspension.
He also highlighted Mahama’s distinguished public service career, arguing that he has no need to cling to power.
“We are talking about a man that God has blessed and given him a unique opportunity and experience that no man in Ghana currently possesses,” he said.
He recounted Mahama’s political journey—from Deputy Minister to Minister, Member of Parliament for Bole Bamboi for 12 years, Vice President, and then President from 2013 to 2016.
“He lost an election and went into opposition for eight years, with all the lessons of loyalty and betrayals. He emerged from this deep sense of reflection and humility to win an unprecedented landslide marking a comeback,” Tamakloe stated.
He added, “President Mahama appreciates the great honour done him by the good people of Ghana for him to serve in those various capacities.”
According to Tamakloe, Mahama has already mapped out his post-presidency life.
“He has given a clear indication of what he intends to do upon retirement: to go into farming and help grow a new crop of giants in agribusiness,” he revealed.
The controversy emerges at a time when a constitutional review process is indeed being discussed, though no formal proposals related to presidential term limits have been announced.
