Professor Issac Boadi, Executive Director of the Institute of Economic Research (IERPP), has rejected proposals to extend Ghana's presidential term from four to five years. He argues this move would weaken democratic accountability. It could also leave the country vulnerable to prolonged periods of poor governance.
His comments follow an announcement by Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine. The Attorney-General stated that the government accepted the Constitutional Review Committee's recommendation. This recommendation suggests extending the tenure of the President and Members of Parliament from four years to five. The stated intention is to give governments more time to implement policies and development programmes effectively. The current four-year constitutional cycle is considered too short for this purpose.
This discussion fits into Ghana's ongoing constitutional reform debates. These debates often seek to balance governance efficiency with democratic principles. Past discussions have touched on various aspects of the electoral system and executive powers. The proposed change reflects a recurring theme in African politics: the desire for longer terms to achieve development goals. However, it also raises concerns about potential abuses of power and reduced accountability. Ghana's democratic stability relies on robust checks and balances.
Speaking on JoyNews AM Show, Professor Boadi stated his firm opposition to the five-year term. He challenged the argument that a five-year mandate would allow governments more time to govern effectively. He noted that in Ghana, political activities begin almost immediately after general elections. This negates the idea of uninterrupted time for administration. "The argument is that governments spend about six months appointing officials and another year preparing for elections, leaving only about two years for active administration. But in Ghana, right after elections, politics starts again. Election issues begin almost immediately," he explained.
Professor Boadi also questioned the constitutional process for such an amendment. He highlighted that entrenched provisions of the Constitution require a national referendum for approval. Legal experts would need to determine if the presidential term extension falls under these provisions. The Attorney-General indicated that an implementation committee will classify proposals based on required constitutional processes. This legal clarification is crucial for the legitimacy of any such change.
The implications of extending the presidential term are significant for Ghana's political landscape. A longer term could reduce the frequency of elections, potentially saving GHS millions in electoral costs. However, it also means citizens would have less frequent opportunities to hold their leaders accountable. If a non-performing or corrupt president were elected, the country would have to endure an additional year before a new election. This could severely impact economic stability and public trust. Decision-makers and civil society groups will closely watch the classification of this proposal and any subsequent public discourse or legal challenges. The focus should remain on strengthening accountability mechanisms rather than simply extending terms.