Justice Senyo Dzamefe, a Supreme Court nominee, has reaffirmed his commitment to upholding Ghana’s constitutional provision on presidential term limits.
During his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee, in Parliament House, Accra, Justice Dzamefe emphasized his respect for Article 66(2) of the Constitution, which clearly outlines that a person cannot hold office as President of Ghana for more than two terms.
When questioned by John Darko, a New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Suame about his views on the provision, Justice Dzamefe stated, “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.”
This nominee’s stance comes amid allegations by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin that President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are pursuing a third-term agenda.
The nomination of seven Justices of the Court of Appeal for elevation to the Supreme Court, made by President Mahama on April 30, 2025, aims to bolster the apex court with seasoned judicial expertise.
This move has sparked debate about the potential implications for Ghana’s democratic traditions and the importance of respecting constitutional term limits.
The nominees are Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei; Justice Gbiel Simon Suurbaareh; Justice Senyo Dzamefe and Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo
The others are Justice Philip Bright Mensah; Justice Janapare Bartels-Kodwo and Justice Hafisata Amaleboba
The nominations are subject to approval by Parliament.
Article 66 – Term of Office Of President
(1) A person elected as President shall, subject to clause (3) of this article, hold office for a term of four years beginning from the date on which he is sworn in as President.
(2) A person shall not be elected to hold office as President of Ghana for more than two terms.
(3) The office of President shall become vacant—
(a) on the expiration of the period specified in clause (1) of this article; or
(b) if the incumbent dies or resigns from office or ceases to hold office under article 69 of this Constitution.
(4) The President may, by writing signed by him, and addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, resign from his office as President.
