The Constitutional Review Committee has recommended an extension of Ghana’s presidential tenure from the current four-year term to a five-year term as part of broader proposals aimed at strengthening governance and policy continuity.
The recommendation was presented to President John Dramani Mahama during a ceremony at the Jubilee House, where the committee officially submitted its findings after months of nationwide consultations and stakeholder engagements.
According to the committee, a five-year term would provide presidents with sufficient time to design, implement, and evaluate long-term development policies without the frequent interruptions caused by election cycles. Members argued that the current four-year term often limits the ability of governments to fully execute major reforms before entering campaign mode.
Speaking at the presentation, President Mahama acknowledged the committee’s work and emphasized the importance of inclusive national dialogue before any constitutional amendments are pursued. He noted that the proposals would be subjected to further review, public debate, and parliamentary consideration in accordance with constitutional requirements.
“The constitution belongs to the people, and any changes must reflect the collective will of Ghanaians,” the President stated, assuring that no decision would be rushed.
The recommendation has already sparked mixed reactions among political analysts and civil society groups. While some believe a longer term could enhance stability and reduce the cost of frequent elections, others caution that extending presidential tenure could weaken democratic accountability if not carefully structured.
The committee’s report includes several other reform proposals touching on governance, decentralization, and electoral processes. Government is expected to release a full white paper outlining its position on the recommendations in the coming months.
