65% of Ghanaians support Mahama's decision against third term

    A new poll reveals strong public backing for adhering to constitutional term limits, reinforcing Ghana's democratic stability.

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    A new nationwide opinion poll by Global InfoAnalytics shows that 65% of Ghanaians support President John Dramani Mahama's decision not to seek a third term. This clear majority reaffirms public confidence in the country's constitutional two-term presidential limit. The survey, released on July 27, 2026, indicates strong public backing for upholding democratic principles.

    The poll found that 27% of respondents disagreed with President Mahama's decision, while 8% had no opinion. This data comes amid ongoing public discussions about whether President Mahama should extend his stay in office beyond the constitutionally permitted two terms. The findings highlight a broad consensus among the electorate regarding presidential term limits.

    This public sentiment aligns with Ghana's 1992 Constitution, which limits presidents to two four-year terms. This provision is widely seen as a cornerstone of the country's democratic stability and peaceful transfer of power since the Fourth Republic began in 1993. The consistent adherence to this limit has fostered a predictable political environment, crucial for economic planning and investor confidence.

    When asked about calls for the president to seek a third term, the survey revealed a more divided public. 50% of voters disagreed with those advocating a third-term bid, while 40% supported such calls. The remaining 10% were undecided. This suggests that while the president's personal decision is largely respected, a notable segment of the population would still welcome his continued leadership.

    The Global InfoAnalytics survey was conducted between July 15 and July 24, 2026, using computer-assisted telephone interviews. The firm targeted 9,242 registered voters, with 7,761 completing the questionnaire, achieving an 84% response rate. This robust methodology ensures the reliability of the findings, providing a clear snapshot of public opinion across all 16 regions of Ghana.

    The poll drew its sample from the 2024 Electoral Commission voters' register, using probability random sampling with regional quota limits. Global InfoAnalytics stated the survey has a 99% confidence level and a margin of error of ±1.5 percentage points. This precision underscores the credibility of the data presented.

    President Mahama has consistently stated his commitment to upholding the Constitution and strengthening Ghana's democratic institutions. His public declarations against seeking a third term have been a key part of his political messaging. This stance is crucial for maintaining the integrity of Ghana's democratic framework and setting a precedent for future leaders.

    The findings are expected to intensify discussions surrounding constitutional governance and presidential term limits. This issue has been a prominent topic in political discourse across several African countries. Ghana's example of respecting term limits serves as an important model for democratic consolidation in the region.

    The survey is part of a longitudinal tracking study, where the same group of respondents will be surveyed every two months. This approach allows researchers to monitor changes in public opinion over time. Such ongoing data collection provides valuable insights into the evolving political landscape and public sentiment.

    This differs from Global InfoAnalytics' regular national tracking polls, which are conducted quarterly through online and face-to-face interviews. The consistent monitoring of public opinion on critical governance issues helps inform policy discussions and strengthens democratic accountability in Ghana.

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