The Youth Coordinator of the non-governmental organisation Harakati Za Muungano, Jeffery Adu Yeboah, has called for Ghana to adopt a single eight-year presidential term, arguing that presidents should be barred from seeking re-election.
He said the proposal would reduce the intense political competition and tensions associated with Ghana’s current four-year electoral cycle.
Speaking on behalf of Harakati Za Muungano at its 2026 International Conference on July 24, 2026, Mr Adu Yeboah explained an ideology he described as “Incumbent Than Self Succession,” which advocates a single eight-year presidential term without the possibility of re-election.
“Now, to prevent all of that, what we are saying is that even if it takes Ghana to agree that in the span of eight years, it will be enough for a government to do all they have to do. And that eight years is not going to be two consecutive terms, but one term. Let it be one term. And that one term can be given to whoever is voted into power. So now, when whoever is voted into power comes into power, that person should abstain from contesting the next election.”
Mr Adu Yeboah further argued that the proposed reform would help reduce political tensions and curb tendencies towards autocracy in some African countries, where leaders remain in office for extended periods because they seek to retain power.
“We’ve seen African countries with leaders who have been in government even before I was born. Even before you and I were born, certain people were presidents, and they are not willing to let go of power because power is sweet. Because when you have power, you can do anything in the world,” he said.
The organisation held the 2026 edition of its International Annual Conference from July 23 to July 27 under the theme, “Economic Restructuring, Political Reforms and Integration for Sustainable Development in Africa.” The conference brought together participants from various tertiary institutions across the country to discuss issues relating to Africa’s political and economic development.
