News about a purported scheme by the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) to extend President Mahama’s term emerged in early May 2025, following his nomination of seven (7) justices to the Supreme Court. Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin stated that the move “reveals a deeper, more dangerous political ambition, a third-term agenda in disguise.”

It followed a protest in Parliament on December 9, when the Minority began chanting “No Third Term, Mahama! We want peace, Mahama” citing concerns of calls by some NDC members for president to continue another term.

Following these incidents, the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, during the 44th Anniversary celebration of the 31st December Revolution in Accra labelled those calls as the height of sycophancy.

He expressed his increasing discontent over what he sees as a growing culture of excessive praise and unquestioning loyalty within the party. On his path, some party members believe flattering leaders, and licking boots of leaders in position is a way to stay relevant or secure opportunities.

“These days, it saddens me when I see sycophancy creep into our party. You see a group of people who believe that singing the praises of a leader is the only way they can survive. That is why you hear some of those people even urging statements like there should be a third term.”

He dismissed such calls outright, describing them as “nothing but sycophancy, pure sycophancy and boot-licking of the highest order”.

According to him, that trend violates the party’s principles and what it stands for. He said the NDC does not support the glorification of individuals at the expense of democratic principles citing the founder of the party, late Jerry John Rawlings who after transitioning from military rule to democratic rule never sought a third term.

He said this historical example highlights the contrast between the party’s founding values and the current behaviour of some supporters.

“Jerry Rawlings, who founded this party, was never at any point urged by anybody to go for a third term,” he said stressing that, individuals making calls for a third term as self-seeking, and not in the interest of the nation and democratic principles guided by the party.

“You have a bunch of sycophants who think that singing praises will get them the opportunity they are looking for,” he remarked. “You don’t love our country, and you don’t love our party.”

“It is important to appreciate that this party was grounded on the need to work for our people,” he said.

It will be recalled that, Speaking in reaction to this, Minister of State in Charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, during an appearance on Channel One TV’s Face to Face programme on Tuesday, December 9, rebuffed the claims, labelling them as“absurd” and unfounded. According to him, President Mahama, over the years, has proven himself as an ardent democrat.

“It’s an absurd fantasy they’re getting themselves into. The NPP have whipped itself into needless frenzy. President Mahama has stated emphatically that he will respect the Ghanaian Constitution. Because he’s a consummate democrat, there’s no third term anywhere for him or any other person as far as the constitution is concerned. Anyone can say what they want.

He continued that, even though some netizens have called for a third term, President Mahama has explicitly stated that he is not interested.

“The fact that some people have gone on Facebook to say he should go for a third term doesn’t mean that will happen. The man himself has said he’s not interested.”

He urged the opposition to stop what he described as “needless speculation,” adding, “So NPP should stop wasting their time and everybody’s time, and purporting to be angry. The President has not expressed any intent. Any talk about it is a complete waste of everybody’s time.”

In late August, President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to Ghana’s two-term presidential limit, making it clear that he has no intention of extending his tenure. He dismissed allegations that his government is plotting to stay beyond the constitutional limit and reiterated that he will not be on the ballot in 2028.

President Mahama made these remarks during a bilateral meeting with Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam as part of his three-day state visit.

He said this position places him in a stronger position to enforce fiscal discipline and curb the recurring election-year overspending that has contributed to Ghana’s cyclical economic crises.

According to him, he has no reason to bend fiscal rules and embezzle state funds just to win elections, assuring that this is his last term as president.

“I will not be a candidate in the next elections, and therefore I can hold the line when it comes to fiscal discipline,” he assured.

Per the Constitution, a president has at most two terms to serve the country. A term comprises four years.

Article 66 of the 1992 Constitution indicates the following:

(1) A person elected as President shall, subject to clause (3) of this article, hold office for a term of four years beginning from the date on which he is sworn in as President.

(2) A person shall not be elected to hold office as President of Ghana for more than two terms.

(3) The office of the President shall become vacant—

(a) on the expiration of the period specified in clause (1) of this article; or

(b) if the incumbent dies or resigns from office or ceases to hold office under Article 69 of this Constitution.

(4) The President may, by writing signed by him, and addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, resign from his office as President. (1) A person elected as President shall, subject to clause (3) of this article, hold office for a term of four years beginning from the date on which he is sworn in as President.

(2) A person shall not be elected to hold office as President of Ghana for more than two terms.

The late President Atta-Mills, who won the 2008 elections, passed away in July 2012, and as such, his then Vice President, Mahama, became President due to the vacancy left.

He completed Mills' tenure and, in 2013, managed to win the elections to be elected President. He lost the seat to the now President Akufo-Addo in the 2016 elections. As such, he governed Ghana for one term, and per the constitution, he is entitled to another as he laces his boots for the 2024 elections.

Mahama won the 2024 elections; as such, he would not be able to contest the 2028 elections.