The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has declined a proposal from the Constitutional Review Committee to lengthen Ghana’s presidential term from four to five years.
Sophia Akuffo, a former Chief Justice and IEA Fellow, stated that the institute believes the existing four-year presidential term should remain unchanged.
She expressed this viewpoint during a TV appearance on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
“I think we did mention that the proposal by the Prempeh Committee, which of course is acceptable to the Executive, that the term should be five years rather than four years and the IEA says no, we do not support such an extension,” she said.
Sophia Akuffo contended that individuals aspiring to hold elected positions ought to have a defined agenda and be familiar with the team they plan to collaborate with prior to taking office.
She raised concerns about the delays frequently encountered in the establishment of governments, which include the appointment of ministers, regional ministers, and governing boards of public institutions.
“One would expect that you arrive and you’re on your feet and you’re running and within hours of assuming office you’re naming your ministers, you’re naming your regional ministers and so on and so forth,” she said.
The government has embraced the proposal to extend both presidential and parliamentary terms from four to five years as part of its response to the recommendations made by the Constitutional Review Committee. Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, revealed the government’s stance in July 2026.
