Constitution Review Committee proposes extending presidential term to five years

The Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Prof. H. Kwasi Prempeh, has proposed extending the presidential term from four to five years to allow sufficient time for governance and campaigning.

Presenting the final report of the committee to President John Mahama on Monday, December 22, Prof. Prempeh explained that consultations with eminent persons, including former holders of the presidency, revealed that the current four-year term was too short.

He noted that the emerging global norm and practices in the region support a five-year term, adding that Ghana’s current term length is among the lowest in Africa.

“We believe the four-year term was too short. Emerging global norms and regional practices suggest five years is more appropriate. Coupled with recommendations on campaign periods, this would allow the President to govern effectively while giving candidates sufficient time to campaign,” Prof. Prempeh said.

The committee also proposed a structured campaign period, inspired by examples from countries such as Senegal, where electioneering is restricted until a designated time.

This aims to prevent continuous electioneering throughout the year and ensure that government officials focus on governance rather than prolonged campaigns.

The recommendations he said if adopted, would mark a significant adjustment to Ghana’s electoral and governance framework, potentially reshaping the political landscape and how elections are conducted in the country.