Ghana supports a five-year presidential term and has reduced the eligibility age to 35

Ghana has approved constitutional reforms that extend the presidential tenure to five years and reduce the minimum eligibility age for candidates to 35.

Ghana has completed arrangements to extend the presidential term to five years and lower the age requirement for eligibility to 35 years.

News monitored on AFP indicates that the scheme had been a priority for some time prior to its acceptance, thereby altering the political landscape of the West African country.

Ghana stands out as one of Africa’s prominent producers of gold and cocoa, while also having upheld a stable democratic system since 1992.

President John Dramani Mahama established a committee to review the constitution, and its report, submitted on Thursday, initiated the change.

“The government has agreed to the recommendation to lengthen the president’s term of office from four years to five years,” Justice Minister Dominic Ayine informed journalists.

The committee also suggested a corresponding extension of the tenure for the country’s lawmakers to align with the president’s term, aiming to prevent any gaps during electoral periods.

While the committee suggested reducing the minimum age for presidential candidates to 30, Ayine stated that the government would opt for 35 instead.

The Constitution Review Committee stated that a four-year presidential cycle may result in an administration having “a little over two years” of effective governing time, as the initial six months can be consumed by appointments and the last year by elections.

It was stated that a five-year term could also enhance democratic accountability by providing governments with additional time to fulfill their commitments.

A national referendum in 2027 will be necessary to implement the changes, accompanied by stringent voter turnout and approval requirements.