Ghana may soon extend its presidential term from four to five years, following recommendations from the Constitutional Review Committee to allow more time for policy implementation and effective governance.
Presenting the report to President John Dramani Mahama on December 22, Chair Prof. H. Kwasi Prempeh said the four-year term is too short, with much time spent on government formation, restructuring, and campaigning.
The proposed five-year term, Prof. Prempeh noted, would allow leaders sufficient time to consolidate long-term policies while maintaining democratic accountability through existing checks and balances.
The committee also emphasized that there is no public demand or justification for a presidential third term.
“We couldn’t find a place for a third term; nobody really seemed to like it, there was really no demand for it,” he added.
The committee also proposed reforms to state-owned enterprise appointments and transferring some powers of the Attorney-General to an Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to enhance efficiency and accountability.
President Mahama commended the committee and said the recommendations would undergo careful review and public consultation.
The reforms aim to strengthen governance, policy continuity, and democratic accountability in Ghana.
