Inusah Fuseini urges Mahama to reject 3rd term bid even if Supreme Court allows it

Former Tamale Central MP, Inusah Fuseini, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to reject any pressure to seek a third presidential term, even if the Supreme Court interprets the 1992 Constitution to allow such a possibility.

He cautioned that attempts by African leaders who alter or manipulate constitutional provisions to prolong their stay in power have contributed to political instability and undermined democratic governance across the continent.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Saturday, October 31, Mr Fuseini said respect for constitutional term limits should take precedence, regardless of the Supreme Court's eventual decision on the matter.

He expressed the hope that President Mahama would not pursue another term if the court rules that the Constitution permits a president to serve beyond two terms.

“Even if the Supreme Court would rule that a president can go more than two terms, I would pray that John Dramani doesn’t do that. “What has caused instability in African countries is the tinkering with the Constitution," he warned.

The comments come amid a legal challenge by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at the Supreme Court, seeking clarification on the constitutional provisions governing presidential tenure.

The party wants the Court to determine whether the two-term limit restricts an individual to a maximum of eight years in office, irrespective of whether the terms are consecutive or separated by a break.

Mr Fuseini maintained that the Constitution already provides for a maximum of two presidential terms, arguing that Article 66(2) makes no distinction between consecutive and non-consecutive periods in office.

Beyond the legal arguments, he said attempts to manipulate constitutional arrangements for political advantage pose a threat to democratic stability.

He identified the alteration of constitutional provisions by presidents seeking to extend their tenure as one of the factors contributing to instability in some African countries.

Mr Fuseini further warned that such attempts could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions, particularly the judiciary, by creating perceptions that court decisions are being influenced to favour political interests.