The New Patriotic Party has rejected a proposal by the Constitutional Review Committee to extend Ghana presidential term from 4 years to 5 years and is demanding stronger separation of powers between Parliament and the Executive, including a ban on Members of Parliament serving as Ministers of State.
The position was presented as part of NPP formal submission to the Constitutional Review Committee chaired under the current administration. Party officials argue that extending the term would reduce accountability and weaken the check voters exercise every 4 years since 1992. The party also proposes that Ministers must be appointed from outside Parliament to ensure full-time legislative oversight and executive focus.
According to the NPP leadership, Ghana must deepen parliamentary independence rather than extend executive tenure. The party contends that the hybrid system where majority of Ministers are selected from Parliament has compromised scrutiny, blurred roles and placed excessive workload on MPs who must juggle constituency, legislative and executive duties at the same time.
Article 66 of the 1992 Constitution fixes presidential tenure at 4 years with eligibility for re-election for one more term only. Proponents of a 5-year extension argue it allows governments to implement development plans without early election pressures, citing practices in some parliamentary systems. The Constitutional Review Committee process is an evergreen governance reform channel in Ghana. Since 2010, successive attempts have sought to address winner takes all politics, discretionary powers under Article 71 and local government appointments. Any amendment to entrenched clauses still requires a referendum with at least 40 percent turnout and 75 percent approval.
Legal analysts note that barring MPs from ministerial roles would require amending Articles 78 and 79 which mandate majority of Ministers from Parliament. Critics of the current model argue it undermines the doctrine of separation of powers first articulated by Montesquieu and has reduced committee effectiveness. Supporters counter that parliamentary appointment ensures executive accountability to the House and prevents a completely detached presidency. Ghana operates a hybrid presidential parliamentary system, distinct from pure US or Westminster models.
The Committee will collate submissions from political parties, civil society and traditional authorities before drafting its final report for government consideration. NPP says it will defend its position in public engagements and insists reforms must strengthen democracy, cut the cost of politics and protect the 4-year mandate that has guided 8 successful elections.
Source: #Howedey.com
Call or WhatsApp +233 20 2190 250 and share your story.
Author: Korkor Anumu
