Ken Kuranchie Drags Mahama to Supreme Court, Argues President Can Seek a Third Term

Ghana’s Supreme Court is set to consider a constitutional question brought by politician and media personality Ken Kuranchie over whether a former president who has served two non-consecutive terms can contest the presidency again.

Kuranchie’s legal action is asking the apex court to interpret the relevant constitutional provisions governing presidential eligibility and determine whether two separate periods in office automatically prevent an individual from seeking another mandate.

The case has attracted public interest because of its potential connection to President John Dramani Mahama. Mahama served as president between 2012 and 2017 and later returned to the presidency. Kuranchie’s position is that the Constitution should be interpreted to permit a president who has served non-consecutive terms to seek another term.

A ruling in favour of that interpretation could have wider consequences for the country’s understanding of presidential term limits and future elections. However, the case must first go through the judicial process before any conclusions can be drawn about its impact.

The matter has prompted differing views among legal experts and political commentators. Some maintain that the constitutional limit applies to a president’s total number of terms, whether those terms follow one another or not. Others believe the wording of the Constitution requires a definitive interpretation by the Supreme Court.

Experts have also cautioned that bringing a case before the court does not mean the legal position has already changed. Kuranchie will have to present his arguments, while other parties will have the opportunity to make their own submissions before the judges reach a decision.

The proceedings could therefore become an important constitutional case, particularly if the court is required to provide a detailed interpretation of presidential term limits.

Political watchers are expected to monitor the case closely because its outcome could shape discussions around presidential succession and eligibility in Ghana. Any interpretation issued by the Supreme Court could also serve as guidance for future constitutional disputes.

The case ultimately demonstrates the importance of the judiciary in resolving questions about the meaning of the Constitution. Attention will now focus on the arguments before the Supreme Court and the judgment it eventually delivers on the issue.

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