The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has filed a petition with Ghana's Supreme Court seeking clarification on the country's constitutional provisions regarding presidential term limits. The suit, filed on July 28, 2026, by the party's solicitor, Godfred Yeboah Dame, names the Attorney-General as the defendant and seeks declarations on specific articles of the 1992 Constitution. The NPP is seeking to affirm that no person may be elected President more than twice, regardless of whether the terms are consecutive.
The petition follows a public debate over the interpretation of the constitutional phrase "two terms" and whether it applies to both consecutive and non-consecutive terms. The NPP argues that allowing a former President who served one term, lost re-election, and later returned to office to serve two additional terms would undermine the constitutional framework governing presidential tenure. The party describes this interpretation as "absurd" and "dangerous for the democracy, peace and stability of the nation."
The NPP is also seeking clarification on the eligibility of a Vice-President who assumes the presidency for more than half of a predecessor's unexpired term. The party wants such a person to be eligible to contest for only one presidential term. This clarification is necessary to avoid potential disputes and ensure a smooth transition of power.
In its statement of case, the NPP cites international examples, including the United States' 22nd Amendment, and constitutional developments in other African countries in support of its position on presidential term limits. The party also refers to the Constitution Review Commission's 2011 report, which recommended an amendment to clarify that a person who has served two presidential terms would not qualify to stand for re-election.
The Supreme Court is being asked to provide an authoritative interpretation of the relevant provisions. The court's decision will have significant implications for Ghana's democracy and the eligibility of future presidential candidates. The NPP's petition is an attempt to ensure that the country's constitutional provisions are clear and unambiguous.
The petition has sparked a national debate on the importance of clarifying presidential term limits. Many Ghanaians are eagerly awaiting the Supreme Court's decision, which is expected to provide much-needed clarity on this critical issue. The court's ruling will help to prevent potential disputes and ensure that the country's democracy remains stable.
The NPP's petition is a significant step towards ensuring that Ghana's constitutional provisions are clear and enforceable. The Supreme Court's decision will have far-reaching implications for the country's democracy and will help to promote stability and peace. The court's ruling is expected to be delivered in due course.
Key points
- NPP petitions Supreme Court to clarify presidential term limits
- Petition seeks to affirm two-term limit for consecutive and non-consecutive terms
- Court's decision will have significant implications for Ghana's democracy and future presidential candidates
