Ghana’s government has endorsed a major package of constitutional reform proposals that would extend the presidential term from four years to five years and reduce the minimum age required to run for president from 40 to 35, in what could become one of the country’s most significant political reforms since the adoption of the 1992 Constitution.
The recommendations were presented as part of a broader constitutional review process aimed at modernising Ghana’s governance framework, strengthening policy continuity, and encouraging greater participation by younger leaders in national politics.
Government argues longer term will improve policy implementation
Under Ghana’s current constitution, presidents serve four-year terms and may be elected for a maximum of two terms. Government officials supporting the reform say a five-year term would provide administrations with more time to implement economic and development programmes, reducing the pressure created by frequent election cycles.
Supporters argue that major infrastructure projects, industrialisation initiatives, and long-term social programmes often require a longer planning and execution horizon than the existing four-year cycle allows.
A senior government spokesperson said the proposal is intended to improve governance efficiency rather than remove presidential term limits, stressing that the two-term limit would remain in place unless changed through a separate constitutional process.
Proposal would open door to younger presidential candidates
The second proposal would lower the minimum presidential age from 40 to 35, bringing Ghana closer to a growing number of democracies that have reduced age thresholds for high office.
Advocates say the change would:
- expand opportunities for younger political leaders,
- reflect Ghana’s relatively youthful population,
- encourage greater youth participation in national governance, and
- broaden the pool of potential presidential candidates across political parties.
Youth groups and some civil society organisations have welcomed the proposal, arguing that leadership should be determined by competence, vision, and public support rather than age alone.
Opposition parties urge caution
Opposition politicians have reacted cautiously, with some questioning whether the proposed reforms are being introduced for national interest or political advantage ahead of future elections.
Critics argue that extending the presidential term could reduce electoral accountability by increasing the period between national elections. Others have called for wider public consultation, insisting that constitutional amendments affecting the presidency should only proceed with broad national consensus.
Political analysts note that constitutional reforms involving presidential tenure are often highly sensitive in African democracies because of concerns about the concentration of executive power.
Constitutional amendment process
The proposals are not yet law. Any amendment affecting entrenched provisions of Ghana’s Constitution would require a multi-stage approval process, including:
- review by constitutional and legal bodies,
- approval by Parliament with the required supermajority,
- possible review by the Council of State, and
- a national referendum if the provisions are classified as entrenched under the Constitution.
Legal experts say the referendum requirement would ensure that Ghanaian voters have the final say on any changes to presidential tenure or eligibility rules.
Part of broader constitutional review
The five-year term and age-reduction proposals form part of a wider discussion that reportedly includes reforms related to local governance, the appointment of public officials, decentralisation, and the balance of powers between state institutions.
President John Dramani Mahama’s administration has indicated that the constitutional review process is intended to make Ghana’s democratic system more responsive to contemporary political and economic challenges while preserving the country’s reputation as one of West Africa’s most stable democracies.
Public debate expected to intensify
The proposals have already triggered significant debate across Ghanaian media, academia, and civil society. Some constitutional scholars support the five-year term as a way to align Ghana with countries that operate longer executive cycles, while others warn that strong institutions and effective oversight are more important than extending the duration of a presidential mandate.
If adopted, the reforms would reshape the timetable of Ghana’s presidential elections and could significantly influence the country’s political landscape for decades to come.
For now, the government’s endorsement marks the beginning of what is expected to be a lengthy and closely watched constitutional debate, with Parliament, political parties, civil society organisations, and ultimately Ghanaian voters expected to play decisive roles in determining whether the proposed changes become part of the nation’s constitutional order.
