Introduction

In the complex tapestry of African governance, few issues have repeatedly unravelled stability and ignited turmoil like the reckless manipulation of national constitutions to extend presidential term limits. Cloaked in the language of “stability” or “efficiency,” these constitutional tweaks often mask a dangerous path toward authoritarianism and democratic erosion. From Benin to Zimbabwe, the continent has witnessed how such changes—initially presented as minor adjustments—inevitably spiral into political chaos, economic decline, and social fragmentation.

This article examines the risks of constitutional tinkering, drawing lessons from recent African experiences. It warns Ghana and other nations to safeguard their democratic frameworks against the siren call of term limit extensions, emphasizing the vital role of civic vigilance, institutional integrity, and constitutional respect in preserving long-term prosperity.

Key Points

Background

<p###Historical Context of Constitutional Design###

African constitutions, crafted in the post-colonial era, often embedded term limits to prevent the concentration of power—a lesson learned from decades of military dictatorships and autocratic rule. These frameworks aimed to ensure regular, peaceful transitions of power, foster accountability, and entrench democratic norms. However, the allure of prolonged authority has repeatedly led leaders and their allies to seek constitutional amendments that dissolve these safeguards.

<p###The Rise of Term Limit Extensions###

Since the 1990s, a pattern has emerged across the continent: leaders facing the end of their constitutional terms lobby for amendments to remove or extend term limits. Justifications vary—ranging from “national stability” to “continuity of development policies”—but outcomes often follow a predictable trajectory of heightened tension, eroded public trust, and heightened risk of violent upheaval.

Analysis

<h3###Benin: Stability to Turmoil###

In November 2025, Benin’s parliament approved a constitutional reform extending presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years. Officially, the change aimed to “align election cycles and foster efficiency” under President Patrice Talon. However, the reform ignited immediate backlash. Within weeks, a foiled coup attempt revealed deep military discontent, with mutinous soldiers briefly seizing strategic positions before Nigerian intervention restored order.

Despite Talon’s acknowledged successes in infrastructure, green initiatives, and economic modernization, the term extension exposed fragile institutional balances. The episode underscores how even well-intentioned reforms can destabilize nations when perceived as self-serving.

<h3###Burundi: From Reinterpretation to Crisis###

In 2015, former President Pierre Nkurunziza pursued a controversial third term through constitutional reinterpretation, arguing that his first term—under a transitional constitution—did not count toward the two-term limit. The move triggered mass protests, ethnic violence, and a refugee exodus displacing hundreds of thousands. Economic collapse followed, with GDP contracting sharply and public services crumbling. The resulting political fragility persists, illustrating how term limit manipulation invites insurrection rather than reverence.

<h3###Guinea: Protest to Coup###

President Alpha Condé’s 2020 push for a third term via constitutional changes ignited nationwide demonstrations. Security forces clashed violently with protesters, resulting in dozens of deaths. The unrest culminated in a 2021 military coup that ousted Condé and plunged the country into transitional uncertainty. The episode highlights how term extension agendas often provoke overwhelming public rejection, forcing leaders from power through extra-constitutional means.

<h3###Uganda: Entrenching Long-Term Rule###

President Yoweri Museveni’s removal of term limits in 2005, followed by an age restriction repeal, has extended his rule into its fourth decade. The changes, framed as necessary for “development continuity,” have entrenched a personality-driven regime, stifled opposition, and suppressed civil liberties. Uganda’s experience demonstrates how term limit abolition solidifies authoritarian grip, prioritizing leader longevity over democratic renewal.

<h3###Zimbabwe: Economic Collapse and Coup###

Robert Mugabe’s evasion of term limits contributed to economic mismanagement, hyperinflation, and widespread corruption. By 2017, public discontent and military disillusionment culminated in a coup that removed Mugabe. The aftermath revealed systemic rot: collapsed infrastructure, currency failure, and persistent political repression. Zimbabwe’s case reinforces that unchecked power inevitably leads to institutional decay and societal crisis.

<h3###Common Threads and Sycophancy###

Across these cases, a recurring factor emerges: sycophancy. Advisors, lawmakers, and clergy often champion term extensions to curry favor, whispering assurances of a leader’s indispensability. As Kenyan scholar P.L.O. Lumumba warns, “Once you treat people like God for too long, they begin to think that they are God.” This dynamic erodes public trust, normalizes authoritarian tendencies, and sets the stage for inevitable backlash.

Practical Advice

<h3###For Ghana: Guarding Constitutional Integrity###

Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, forged after years of military rule, explicitly limits presidents to two four-year terms. Current President John Dramani Mahama has publicly committed to respecting this provision, a stance that merits national praise. To reinforce this commitment, Ghanaians should:

• Support Civic Education: Promote public awareness of constitutional rights and the dangers of term limit amendments.
• Strengthen Parliamentary Oversight: Ensure legislators prioritize national interest over personal gain when evaluating constitutional proposals.
• Empower Independent Institutions: Strengthen electoral commissions, judicial bodies, and civil society watchdogs to deter manipulative reforms.
• Encourage Grassroots Engagement: Mobilize citizens through town halls, debates, and social media to reject self-serving constitutional tinkering.

<h3###Regional and Continental Safeguards###

African nations can adopt collective strategies to mitigate constitutional manipulation:

• African Union Guidelines: Enforce existing AU principles that discourage term limit amendments and promote democratic transitions.
• Peer Accountability Mechanisms: Develop regional frameworks where leaders hold each other accountable for constitutional adherence.
• International Partnerships: Collaborate with global democracies to isolate nations that undermine term limits, applying diplomatic and economic pressure.
• Legal Safeguards: Embed “entrenchment clauses” in constitutions, requiring supermajorities or referenda for any term limit changes.

FAQ

Conclusion

Africa’s history offers unequivocal lessons: constitutional tinkering to extend presidential terms is a pathway to chaos, not progress. From Benin to Zimbabwe, nations that have relaxed term limits have invited instability, economic collapse, and authoritarian entrenchment. Ghana, with its robust constitutional framework and recent leadership commitment to term limits, stands at a critical juncture. By rejecting sycophancy, reinforcing institutions, and prioritizing civic engagement, Ghana can safeguard its democracy and chart a path toward enduring stability. For the continent, the imperative is clear—uphold constitutional limits, honor democratic transitions, and remember that true progress lies in swift exit, not eternal clutch.