Mahama Ayariga revisits presidential term limits debate

Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, has stated that the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) decision to hand over power after losing the 2000 general elections demonstrated the party’s commitment to democracy and respect for the presidential term limits enshrined in Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.

Speaking at the NDC’s 34th anniversary celebration and flag-raising ceremony in Accra, Ayariga said the party’s willingness to relinquish power helped strengthen democratic governance in Ghana.

According to a report by graphic.com.gh on June 12, 2026, he recalled that there was uncertainty that surrounded the transition at the time.

He noted that many doubted whether then-President Jerry John Rawlings would step down or whether the NDC would concede defeat if it lost the election.

“People were wondering, will President Jerry John Rawlings go? Will he not go? Even when he said he was going, they didn’t believe that he was going. Even when he said the NDC would give up power if we lost the election, they didn’t believe that we would give up power,” he said.

'Ghanaians are asking for a third term for President Mahama' – Mahama Ayariga

Ayariga explained that although Ghanaians were already experiencing what the party considered good governance under the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC), the NDC recognised the need to embrace democratic rule.

“When it comes to establishing democracy, when it comes to deepening democracy, I am confident that the party has already achieved that objective; to agree to limit your term of government in the Constitution was a radical decision to take,” he stated.

He added that the party’s ability to regroup after losing power and later return to government further cemented its role in Ghana’s democratic development.

“The establishment of this democracy is indeed a function of the history and success story of the NDC,” Ayariga said.

Ayariga further argued that having contributed to the establishment and deepening of democracy, the NDC’s next challenge should be ensuring that its governments remain responsive to citizens and maintain public support.

He urged party leaders to focus on serving the interests of ordinary Ghanaians, stressing that the welfare of citizens should remain at the centre of every decision taken by the party.

“If we remember at all times that the reason why we sit where we sit is to continue to serve the interests of the ordinary man, we will never lose power again. The ordinary man, the ordinary person must be at the very foundation of every action that we embark upon as leaders,” he indicated.

MRA/VPO

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