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President John Dramani Mahama has said he will not contest the 2028 presidential election because per the 1992 Constitution his mandate will end on January 7, 2029.
“I will not be a candidate in the next election and, therefore, I can hold the line when it comes to fiscal discipline,” he added.
In line with that, the President has pledged to enforce strict fiscal discipline in the lead-up to the 2028 general election, citing his constitutional ineligibility to run for another term as a key factor in ensuring economic stability.
His reassuring comments sought to counter claims by some opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) members that he harboured ambitions for a third term, a move that would be unconstitutional under the country’s two-term presidential limit.
The President gave the assurance during a bilateral meeting with his Singaporean counterpart, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, as part of his ongoing three-day state visit to Singapore.
The bilateral discussions between the two leaders centred on strengthening economic cooperation and attracting Singaporean investment to key sectors of the Ghanaian economy.
The talks are expected to pave the way for deeper ties between the two nations.
On the perennial challenge of election-year expenditure overruns, President Mahama said that his absence from the ballot would empower his administration to resist pressures to breach fiscal safeguards for political gain.
The President also used the opportunity to highlight the positive economic trajectory under his administration, pointing to significant gains achieved since he took office in January, 2025.
He cited the rapid decline in inflation and interest rates, alongside a notable appreciation of the Ghana Cedi, as evidence of the economy's recovery trajectory.
President Mahama was honoured at a special ceremony in Singapore, where a new and vibrant orchid hybrid was named after him at the world-renowned National Orchid Garden in that country.
The distinguished flower has been officially registered as “Vanda John Dramani Mahama” in a tribute that aligns with a long-standing tradition reserved for visiting state dignitaries and world leaders.
The ceremony, which was held on Tuesday, was the highlight of President Mahama’s visit to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The newly christened orchid, celebrated for its unique beauty and resilience, would be permanently displayed in the garden's prestigious "VIP Orchids" collection.
During the tour, President Mahama was given a comprehensive briefing on the rich history and scientific work of the gardens.
He also inscribed his signature in the visitors’ book, cementing his place in the institution's records.
The practice of naming orchids after distinguished visitors is a singular diplomatic honour that Singapore extends to its important guests.
Each hybrid is carefully selected to reflect the character and achievements of its namesake.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the orchids also symbolise Singapore's own remarkable journey of national growth and transformation, making the honour a profound gesture of international friendship and respect.
The “Vanda John Dramani Mahama” now stands as a living, blooming testament to the cordial relationship between the Republic of Ghana and the Republic of Singapore.
