Accra, Ghana – Supreme Court nominee Justice Senyo Dzamefe today unequivocally affirmed his support for the constitutional provision on presidential term limits, emphasizing his respect for the clear stipulations of the 1992 Constitution. Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, June 16, 2025, Justice Dzamefe was questioned by Suame MP John Darko regarding Article 66(2) of the Constitution, which restricts a person to two terms as President of the Republic of Ghana.
When asked if this provision was subject to interpretation, Justice Dzamefe responded, “Mr. Chairman, the honourable member referred to the constitution, and that is what the constitution says. So I can’t have anything against what is in the constitution.” His direct response underscores a judicial philosophy that respects the plain language of the fundamental law.
Justice Dzamefe’s remarks come amidst heightened political discourse following allegations by Minority Leader and Effutu MP, Alexander Afenyo-Markin. Afenyo-Markin has claimed that President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are pursuing an agenda to secure a third presidential term for President Mahama. In an interview on May 1, 2025, Afenyo-Markin cited President Mahama’s recent nomination of seven Justices to the Supreme Court as evidence of such a plan, alleging it was a “bold attempt” and “the first major attempt at all that they have rehearsed; a third-term agenda.”
President Mahama, on April 30, 2025, nominated seven Justices of the Court of Appeal for elevation to the Supreme Court. This move, made in accordance with Article 144(2) of the 1992 Constitution, was presented as an effort to strengthen the apex court with experienced judicial expertise to address rising constitutional and governance challenges. Article 66(2) of the Constitution, which states the qualifications for a presidential candidate, does not directly address term limits but specifies age, citizenship by birth, and qualifications to be a Member of Parliament, with certain disqualifications not removable by pardon or lapse of time.
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