The Center for Public Opinion and Awareness (CenPOA) has formally petitioned Ghana's Constitutional Review Committee to amend Article 66(2) of the 1992 Constitution, which restricts presidents to a maximum of two terms.

The proposal, submitted on April 11, 2025, argues that the current term limit imposes an "arbitrary ceiling" on democratic choice and hinders the ability to retain competent leaders based on merit.

CenPOA called for a revised clause that would allow sitting or former presidents to run for additional terms, provided they are elected through "free, fair, and transparent" processes.

“Democracy thrives on the principle that sovereignty resides with the people. Limiting presidential tenure by law—even when the electorate desires continuity—can undermine the full expression of democratic will. The Ghanaian voter should be trusted to determine who governs, for how long, and based on merit.

“Ghana's socio-economic development agenda requires strategic leadership continuity, especially in areas such as education reform, industrialization, digital transformation, and economic policy. Arbitrary term limits can disrupt momentum and institutional memory,” the petition stated.

The organization contends that this change would reflect "democratic maturity, not authoritarian ambition," citing leadership continuity, accountability, and alignment with practices in democracies like the UK and Canada as justifications.

“The possibility of re-election beyond two terms based on performance would motivate incumbents to deliver results and maintain public trust, thus increasing political accountability rather than diminishing it.

“Several mature democracies—including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany—do not impose strict term limits. These countries rely on electoral processes and institutional checks and balances, which Ghana has developed over the past three decades,” the petition added.

To address concerns, the proposal recommends safeguards such as a three-term consecutive cap, stronger electoral oversight, and enhanced judicial independence.

CenPOA emphasized that the amendment aims to prioritize performance and voter choice over rigid constitutional constraints.

“This proposal is not a call for indefinite tenure, but a call for democratic maturity—a system where competent leadership is retained by the will of the people, not limited by an arbitrary ceiling. We believe this amendment will deepen Ghana's democracy, enhance governance outcomes, and reflect a political culture driven by performance and choice,” the petition concluded.

This petition comes amid broader constitutional reform efforts under President John Mahama’s administration, which has convened an eight-member review committee to address governance gaps, including executive power concentration and judicial independence.

However, critics, including the New Patriotic Party (NPP), have accused Mahama of attempting a "power grab," particularly following the controversial suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo over misconduct allegations.

ID/KA

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