An online poll conducted by Asaase Radio has revealed that 75% of participants agree with a Supreme Court ruling that would interpret Ghana's presidential two-term limit to mean that a president can serve only two consecutive terms. The poll, which ran from 9am on Friday to 9am on Monday, September 21, gathered opinions from participants on their stance on the issue. This interpretation has sparked debate, with many Ghanaians eager to understand the implications of such a ruling.
The poll results were presented on the Asaase Breakfast Show by Wilberforce Asare, head of the Legal and Political Desk at Asaase Radio. According to Asare, 18.75% of participants disagreed with the consecutive-term interpretation, while 6.25% were unsure. Asare emphasized that the online poll was not a scientific national opinion survey and should not be considered a definitive measure of the constitutional meaning of the presidential term-limit provision.
The issue of presidential term limits has been a topic of discussion in Ghana, with questions surrounding the interpretation of Article 66(2) of the 1992 Constitution. The article states that a person shall not be elected to hold office as President of Ghana for more than two terms. However, the Constitution's wording has led to debates about whether this refers to consecutive or non-consecutive terms.
The Supreme Court has exclusive original jurisdiction in matters relating to the enforcement or interpretation of the Constitution, as stated in Article 130 of the 1992 Constitution. Asare noted that the Supreme Court's interpretation of the presidential term-limit provision would be binding and have significant implications for Ghana's democracy.
Asaase Radio's poll results indicate broad support among participants for a consecutive-term interpretation. However, Asare cautioned that the poll's findings should not be seen as a substitute for the constitutional and judicial processes. The interpretation of the Constitution remains a matter for the Supreme Court to decide.
The Asaase Radio poll is a reflection of the public's interest in the issue, with many Ghanaians eager to understand the implications of the Supreme Court's potential ruling. Asaase Radio's coverage of the issue has sparked a national conversation about the importance of the presidential term limit and its potential impact on Ghana's democracy.
Asaase Radio is a prominent media outlet in Ghana, with multiple stations across the country, including Asaase 99.5 Accra, Asaase 98.5 Kumasi, and Asaase 100.3 Cape Coast. The radio station's online platforms, including its website and social media channels, have made it easy for Ghanaians to participate in the poll and engage with the issue.
Key points
- 75% of Asaase Radio poll participants support a Supreme Court ruling interpreting Ghana's presidential two-term limit to mean two consecutive terms.
