Ghana backs extending presidential term to 5 years, lowering age limit

Ghana's government has endorsed a proposal to extend the presidential term from four to five years and reduce the minimum age for candidates to 35. This move aims to grant administrations more time to govern effectively and enhance democratic accountability.

The decision follows the submission of a final report by a committee tasked with reviewing the constitution. The committee argued that a four-year term leaves an administration with just over two years of actual governing time due to appointments and election cycles. A five-year term, they suggested, would allow more time for policy implementation and delivery.

While the committee initially recommended lowering the age limit to 30, the government opted for 35. Parliament's term would also be extended to five years to align with the presidency. These proposed changes will require a national referendum in 2027, with specific thresholds for voter turnout and approval.

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The government has accepted the recommendation to extend the term of office of the president from four years to five years.