Former Tamale Central Member of Parliament, Inusah Fuseini, has rejected a proposal to extend Ghana’s presidential term from four to five years, arguing that the focus should instead be on improving government efficiency and delivery.
The proposal to increase the presidential tenure is among recommendations accepted by the government from the report of the Constitution Review Committee (CRC), which reviewed various aspects of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
However, speaking on Eyewitness News on Monday, August 3, 2026, Mr Fuseini said he disagreed with the proposal, insisting that the current four-year term is adequate for a government committed to achieving results.
“No, I don’t,” he said when asked whether he supported an extension of the presidential term limit to five years.
He dismissed arguments that governments require an additional year because the first year is spent establishing an administration and the final year is often affected by election activities.
According to him, President John Dramani Mahama’s second administration has demonstrated that governments can begin implementing their programmes within a short period when there is clear purpose and commitment.
“John Mahama’s second coming has dispelled that idea. It just means that a government, when you come with intention, purpose, and deliberateness, you’ll be able to achieve so much even in your first year,” Mr Fuseini said.
He argued that extending the presidential term would not solve challenges relating to government performance, describing the proposal as a failure to address the real issue of efficiency.
“The amendment is not talking to efficiency. It’s talking to lethargy. You are elected to work for the benefit and welfare of the people,” he said.
Mr Fuseini called for the introduction of clear efficiency indicators to assess how quickly governments establish their administrations and begin delivering on their mandates.
“So let’s bring efficiency indicators and mark how a government should be established in this country; what ministers and presidents are supposed to do when they win power. Within what period? Within what period and then we can mark them,” he said.
The Constitution Review Committee submitted several recommendations for constitutional reforms, with the government accepting some, accepting others with modifications or reservations, and rejecting some proposals.
Mr Fuseini added that constitutional review remains important because constitutions must evolve to reflect changing societal needs and circumstances.
Editor:
Obiri-Yeboah
