Do I look like a supreme leader? – Mahama rejects third-term speculation

President John Dramani Mahama has dismissed speculation that he plans to push constitutional amendments to extend his stay in office beyond the two-term limit.

Addressing journalists at his Presidential Media Encounter at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, the President laughed off the rumours, saying: “Look at my face — do I look like a supreme leader?”

His remarks came in response to questions about whether his so-called “legacy term” might inspire him to seek an extension of Ghana’s presidential term limits.

Quoting the late Prof. John Atta Mills, Mahama added humorously: “Do I look like a cat hunter? Do I look like a supreme leader? I am a democrat, through and through.”

He noted that even when his party controlled a two-thirds majority in Parliament, he resisted the temptation to impose decisions on the minority, insisting instead on preserving democratic principles.

The 1992 Constitution of Ghana restricts presidents to a maximum of two four-year terms.

Reaffirming his respect for that provision, Mahama said any attempt to weaken institutions or manipulate constitutional limits for political advantage would undermine the country’s democratic progress.

Kwaku Antwi Boasiako