The Constitutional Review Committee of Ghana has recommended extending the presidential term from four to five years, framing it as a step toward more stable governance and longer-term policy planning.
Committee Chairman Prof. Henry Kwasi Prempeh shared the proposal on Monday, December 22, when the panel officially presented its findings to President John Mahama at Jubilee House. The public is yet to receive a detailed explanation of the rationale behind the recommendation.
Prof Prempeh explained that the change is designed to give presidents sufficient time to develop, implement, and consolidate national policies without the constant pressure of recurring elections. He stressed that the proposal would not weaken democratic accountability, highlighting that it is grounded in efforts to strengthen institutions, reinforce checks and balances, and improve efficiency in public administration.
Responding to the committee, the President praised the process as thorough and reflective, assuring members that their recommendations would undergo careful study and the necessary constitutional and public review.
The five-year term suggestion is one of several reforms outlined in the committee’s report, which is expected to ignite national discussions as the country considers potential constitutional amendments.
