President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his commitment to Ghana’s constitutional two-term presidential limit, assuring Ghanaians and the international community that he will not contest the 2028 elections.
According to GhanaRegions.com sources, the declaration came during his three-day state visit to Singapore, where he held bilateral talks with Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
Mahama emphasized that stepping aside after his constitutionally mandated second term would grant him the freedom to maintain strict fiscal discipline without the pressures of electoral politics.
He noted that the cycle of election-year overspending has historically undermined Ghana’s economic stability, with successive governments loosening financial rules to secure votes. By ruling out a 2028 bid, Mahama believes he will be positioned to govern more prudently and avoid politically motivated fiscal indiscipline.
In his discussions with President Shanmugaratnam, Mahama highlighted the progress his administration has already achieved in stabilizing the economy, citing falling inflation and interest rates.
He pledged to build on this progress by instituting measures that would strengthen the resilience of Ghana’s economy and ensure long-term growth beyond his tenure.
The assurance has sparked discussions among governance experts, legal practitioners, and political analysts.
US-based Ghanaian legal scholar, Professor Kwaku Asare, popularly known as Kwaku Azar, welcomed Mahama’s statement, outlining ten key reasons why the President’s declaration is both timely and significant.
According to Kwaku Azar, Mahama’s public commitment to respect term limits:
- Reaffirms Ghana’s democratic traditions and strengthens constitutional governance.
- Reduces speculation about attempts to extend presidential power beyond constitutional limits.
- Signals to the international community that Ghana remains committed to democratic norms.
- Gives Mahama the credibility to pursue long-term fiscal discipline without accusations of political opportunism.
- Encourages responsible governance by breaking the pattern of election-year financial recklessness.
- Provides certainty to political stakeholders and stabilizes the political environment ahead of future elections.
- Sets a precedent for future presidents to prioritize institutional integrity over political ambition.
- Enhances investor confidence by assuring predictable political transitions.
- Frees the President to focus on national development goals rather than campaign-related distractions.
- Reinforces Ghana’s image as a model of democratic governance in Africa.
Kwaku Azar argued that Mahama’s declaration goes beyond a personal promise, serving as a broader commitment to democratic consolidation and economic responsibility.
He further urged civil society and political actors to hold leaders accountable to such commitments, ensuring that Ghana continues to serve as a beacon of stability and democratic practice in the region.
As Ghana continues to navigate its economic recovery and democratic journey, President Mahama’s assurance appears to be a significant milestone in shaping both fiscal discipline and democratic resilience.
