CRC Links Proposed Term Extension to Campaign Season Reforms

The Constitution Review Committee has linked its proposal to extend Ghana’s presidential term to five years with broader reforms aimed at reducing excessive political campaigning.

Speaking at the presentation of the Committee’s report to President John Dramani Mahama on Monday, December 22, CRC Chairman Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh said prolonged campaign seasons significantly undermine governance.

To address this, the Committee recommended tighter regulation of campaign periods to prevent constant electioneering that distracts governments from policy implementation.

Prof. Prempeh emphasized that the proposed one-year extension is not intended to expand presidential power through additional terms but to improve governance outcomes.

He reiterated that the Committee deliberately rejected any proposal for a third presidential term, noting the absence of public support for such an idea and the President’s own opposition to it.

The overall objective, he said, is to give future governments adequate time to govern effectively without being perpetually in campaign mode.