Kofi Bentil warns against third-term presidential agenda

IMANI Africa Vice President says he and others will resist anyone advocating an extension of presidential tenure beyond the constitutionally permitted limit.

Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has issued a strong warning to individuals advocating a third-term presidential extension, declaring that he and others will deal with anyone who promotes such an agenda.

Mr Bentil’s comments, shared by TV3 Ghana, come amid renewed public debate over presidential term limits and discussions surrounding the possibility of President John Dramani Mahama seeking to remain in office beyond the constitutionally permitted two terms.

The IMANI Africa executive made it clear that he would not remain silent in the face of efforts to promote a third-term arrangement, signalling his readiness to join others in resisting such moves.

His warning adds to growing concerns among sections of the public and civil society over attempts to extend presidential tenure, an issue that has attracted political and constitutional attention in Ghana.

Debate over presidential term limits

Ghana’s 1992 Constitution provides for a four-year presidential term and prohibits anyone from being elected President for more than two terms.

The debate has resurfaced following comments by some individuals within the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) suggesting that President Mahama should be given another term beyond his current constitutional limit.

However, the President has repeatedly stated that he is not interested in a third term, according to Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who reiterated the position during a TV3 Key Points discussion on October 31, 2026.

The NPP has also taken the matter to the Supreme Court, seeking interpretation of aspects of the constitutional provisions governing presidential term limits and eligibility.

Mr Bentil’s warning comes as political actors, legal practitioners and civil society figures continue to express differing views on the third-term debate.

In September 2026, he backed a separate proposal to extend the length of Ghana’s presidential term from four to five years, arguing that a longer term could improve governance and accountability. That proposal, however, is distinct from allowing a president to serve more than two terms.

His latest comments underline his opposition to any attempt to extend an individual president’s tenure beyond the constitutional limit.

The debate is expected to remain part of Ghana’s national political conversation as stakeholders discuss constitutional safeguards, presidential succession and the protection of the country’s democratic arrangements.