The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has rejected a proposal by the Constitutional Review Committee to extend Ghana’s presidential term from four to five years.
Former Chief Justice and IEA Fellow, Sophia Akuffo said the institute’s position was that the current four-year presidential term should be maintained.
She made the remarks on Channel One TV’s The Point of View 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 argued that persons seeking elected office should have a clear agenda and know the team they intend to work with before assuming office.
She questioned delays often associated with the formation of governments, including 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 accepted the proposal to extend both presidential and parliamentary terms from four to five years as part of its response to the Constitutional Review Committee’s recommendations. Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine announced the government’s position in July 2026.
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Source: citinewsroom.com