President Mahama reaffirms commitment to two-term limit, rejects third-term bid
via GhanaWeb7 min read
President John Dramani Mahama has once again stated he will not seek a third term in office, reiterating his commitment to Ghana’s constitutional two-term presidential limit. This declaration was made during a closed-door meeting with the National Democratic Congress NDC Council of Elders at the Flagstaff House on May 29, 2026. The meeting aimed to address growing concerns over premature succession campaigns within the NDC. President Mahama had previously made similar remarks during a state visit to Singapore last year. The Elders Council, chaired by Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, convened to tackle increasing tensions within the governing party due to rivalry among supporters of potential presidential aspirants. The NDC’s General Secretary, Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, and National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, who have publicly rejected calls for a third term, were not present at the meeting. The party leadership has consistently dismissed suggestions for a third term, maintaining commitment to Ghana’s constitutional order. Both government officials and NDC leaders have rejected allegations from the opposition New Patriotic Party NPP that President Mahama harbors third-term ambitions. The Council of Elders has issued a warning against premature presidential campaign activities, directing all party members to focus on supporting the government’s “Resetting Agenda” and to refrain from actions that could create division or internal competition. The council reminded aspirants that the author
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Must ReadEducation leaders, policymakers, development partners, and technology experts at the 18th Ministerial Round Table urged Africa to take ownership of its digital education agenda and responsibly adopt artificial intelligence to meet development needs. Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, emphasized Africa's need to lead in digital learning, rather than relying on external solutions. He highlighted Ghana's investments in digital education, STEM, AI, robotics, and curriculum reforms, stressing the importance of locally relevant content and ensuring technology improves access to quality education, especially for underserved communities. Iddrisu also called for increased investment in AI literacy and ethical frameworks reflecting African values, cautioning against becoming mere consumers of foreign technologies. UNESCO Representative to Ghana, Edmund Moukala, underscored the importance of foundational literacy for the digital age, stating that reading, writing, and critical thinking are essential. Moukala urged governments to lead in shaping digital learning environments and supported public digital learning platforms that protect user data and promote education as a public good. Participants committed to building innovative, collaborative, and sovereign learning systems that responsibly use technology to advance Africa's educational priorities.
Must ReadPolitical analyst Keskine Owusu Poku has alleged that President John Dramani Mahama is unlikely to assent to the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, citing recent developments that suggest a lack of commitment to the legislation. Dr Owusu Poku claimed that the current version of the bill does not meet the expectations of religious leaders and parts of the Ghanaian public who supported the original proposal. He stated that amendments and changes have significantly altered the legislation's original intent. The political analyst further argued that the President’s approach indicates a reluctance to proceed, asserting that "Everything shows that Mahama is not ready and will never sign the bill." Dr Owusu Poku alleged that explanations regarding the bill’s status are attempts to avoid granting assent, and that religious leaders who advocated for the legislation may feel disappointed, claiming they have been deceived.
Must ReadGhana's High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quarshie, reported that a Ghanaian woman is in intensive care after being severely beaten by South Africans. The assault occurred when she refused to give money to individuals who had demanded to see her documentation at her shop. Quarshie stated that this incident, among others, influenced the Ghanaian government's decision to evacuate its citizens from South Africa due to ongoing xenophobic attacks. He confirmed that two flights are scheduled for June 7 and June 8, 2026, to repatriate nearly 700 Ghanaians. While the High Commission could not provide accommodation for all evacuees due to the large numbers, Ghanaian businesses and churches in South Africa have offered support. The mission has also been providing meals and other services to those awaiting repatriation. This follows an initial phase where 300 Ghanaians were returned home.
Must ReadSheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, Spokesperson for the National Chief Imam, has expressed disappointment over the renewed political debates surrounding Ghana's Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on June 2, 2026, Sheikh Shaibu warned political actors against turning the bill into a partisan issue between the National Democratic Congress NDC and the New Patriotic Party NPP. He emphasized that there was already a national consensus on the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, with both political parties, religious bodies, and Parliament having previously debated and established their positions. His comments follow recent remarks by President John Dramani Mahama regarding the need to exhaust constitutional and legislative processes, and Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin's suggestion to re-examine the legislative text. Sheikh Shaibu argued that the bill's substance has undergone extensive scrutiny and should not be reopened for political maneuvering. He recalled that Parliament had previously passed the bill, but it failed to receive presidential assent due to legal processes. He had expected the current parliamentary session to treat the matter as a procedural formality to deliver the document to President Mahama, rather than seeing the front benches divided into hostile factions. Sheikh Shaibu reiterated that resistance to LGBTQ+ advocacy is rooted in Ghanaian culture and faith, representing core societal values, and should not be politicized.