President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to Ghana’s two-term presidential limit, insisting that he will not appear on the ballot in 2028.
According to the president, this decision strengthens his resolve to enforce fiscal discipline and avoid the cycle of election-year overspending that has historically destabilized Ghana’s economy.
Speaking during a bilateral meeting in Singapore with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam as part of a three-day state visit, Mahama criticized the long-standing political practice where incumbent governments often relax fiscal rules to win electoral support.
“I will not be a candidate in the next elections and therefore I can hold the line when it comes to fiscal discipline,” Mahama emphasized.
The president highlighted recent economic gains under his administration, which returned to power following a landslide victory in the 2024 elections. He pointed to falling inflation and interest rates, along with a marked appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi, as evidence of progress since his comeback.
His remarks come amid opposition allegations that he is secretly plotting to extend his tenure. Members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have accused Mahama of preparing for a potential third-term bid, despite constitutional provisions limiting presidents to two terms. The president’s latest comments directly contradict these claims, reiterating his stance that his second term will be his last.
The bilateral talks in Singapore primarily focused on economic cooperation and investment opportunities, with both leaders exploring avenues for stronger trade and development partnerships between Ghana and Singapore.
Mahama’s declaration is expected to reassure both local and international stakeholders concerned about Ghana’s fiscal credibility as the nation edges closer to the 2028 elections. By ruling out another candidacy, he signals an intent to leave office on a strong economic footing while avoiding the overspending pitfalls that have traditionally accompanied Ghana’s electoral cycle.
