Ghana Backs Five-Year Presidential Term Proposal

Ghana’s government has endorsed proposals to extend presidential and parliamentary terms from four years to five as part of a wider constitutional reform agenda aimed at improving governance and reducing the disruptions associated with frequent election cycles.

Attorney General and Justice Minister Dominic Ayine announced on Thursday that the government had accepted key recommendations submitted by a constitutional review committee established by President John Dramani Mahama last year. He said the proposed changes are intended to provide administrations with more time to implement policies and deliver on campaign promises.

According to Ayine, the first months of every administration are often devoted to transition activities, while the final year is dominated by election preparations, limiting the time available for governance.

The government also agreed in principle to reduce the minimum age required to contest the presidency. However, instead of lowering it to 30 years as recommended by the review committee, it proposed a minimum age of 35 years.

Another approved recommendation would move Ghana’s presidential election to the first week of November, creating a longer transition period before the inauguration of a new president on January 7.

A separate committee will now draft the constitutional amendment bills, which are expected to be completed by October. Changes affecting presidential term limits will require approval through a national referendum in 2027. Under Ghana’s constitution, at least 40% of registered voters must participate, while 75% of valid votes cast must support the proposal for it to take effect.

SOURCE: Reuters