Constitutional Review Committee recommends extending presidential tenure to five years

The Constitutional Review Committee has recommended increasing the length of a presidential term from four to five years as part of broader proposals aimed at improving governance stability and ensuring continuity in national policymaking.

The committee’s chairman, Prof Prempeh, revealed this on Monday, December 22, during the formal presentation of the committee’s report to President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House.

While the detailed justification for the recommendation has not yet been released publicly, Prof Prempeh explained that the proposal seeks to give presidents sufficient time to formulate, implement and entrench long-term development policies without being constrained by frequent electoral cycles.

He stressed that extending the presidential term would not weaken democratic accountability, noting that the recommendation is accompanied by measures to strengthen state institutions, reinforce checks and balances, and improve efficiency within the public sector.

Responding to the presentation, President Mahama praised the committee for what he described as a comprehensive and thoughtful review process. He assured members that the proposals would be thoroughly examined and subjected to the required constitutional procedures and public consultation.

The recommendation to lengthen the presidential term forms part of a wider package of constitutional reforms outlined in the committee’s report, which is expected to generate significant national discussion ahead of any potential amendments to the Constitution.