Former Tamale Central MP Inusah Fuseini called on President John Dramani Mahama to refuse any pressure to pursue a third presidential term, even if the Supreme Court were to interpret the 1992 Constitution as allowing it. Speaking on Channel One TV on Saturday, October 31, Fuseini cautioned that attempts by African leaders to alter constitutional provisions for personal gain have historically led to instability and weakened democratic governance across the continent.
Fuseini emphasized that respect for term limits should trump any legal ambiguity, stating, "Even if the Supreme Court would rule that a president can go more than two terms, I would pray that John Dramani doesn’t do that." He warned that tinkering with the Constitution "has caused instability in African countries."
The comments arrive amid a legal challenge by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at the Supreme Court, which seeks clarification on whether the two‑term limit restricts an individual to a maximum of eight years in office, regardless of whether the terms are consecutive or separated by a break. Fuseini maintains that Article 66(2) of the Constitution already provides for a maximum of two presidential terms, making no distinction between consecutive and non‑consecutive periods.
He added that manipulating constitutional arrangements for political advantage poses a threat to democratic stability and could erode public confidence in institutions, particularly the judiciary, by creating perceptions of political influence over court decisions.
As the Supreme Court deliberates, Fuseini hopes Mahama will heed the constitutional mandate and forgo a third term, should the Court rule in favour of extending presidential tenure.
