Former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo has thrown his weight behind a proposal to extend Ghana’s presidential term from four to five years, citing the need to save costs and improve governance. According to Domelevo, the current four-year term is too short for a president to effectively implement policies, considering the time spent on pre-election campaigns and settling into office.
Domelevo emphasized that a president needs sufficient time to manage extensive appointment powers, including ministers, municipal assemblies, and heads of institutions. He noted that internal party processes also consume valuable governance time, making a strong case for the five-year term.
The proposal is not new, as the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) had earlier recommended extending the presidential term to five years. Law Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Prof Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua, has also backed the proposal, arguing that it will allow presidents to focus on implementing policies without distractions.
According to Prof Appiagyei-Atua, the current four-year term is too short, and a five-year term will enable presidents to settle into office and make meaningful contributions to national development. The CRC’s recommendation is part of broader efforts to strengthen governance and reduce corruption in Ghana.
Domelevo’s support for the five-year term comes as Ghanaians prepare to elect a new president. He has urged voters to choose a leader who demonstrates fairness, accountability, trustworthiness, honesty, and respect for diverse opinions.
The debate on the presidential term highlights the need for Ghana to strike a balance between allowing presidents sufficient time to implement policies and ensuring accountability to the electorate.
Author: Korkor Anumu
