Accra: The Government has accepted a proposal to extend the presidential and parliamentary terms of office from four years to five years under planned constitutional reforms. The proposal, if approved through the constitutional amendment process, would apply only to future Presidents and future Parliaments.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Dominic Ayine, Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, announced the Government's position on Thursday at a news conference in Accra on the final recommendations of the Constitution Review Committee. "Our thinking is practical. Under the current four-year cycle, the early months of every administration are consumed by transition, and the final year is largely consumed by elections. That leaves precious little time for actual governance," he said. Dr. Ayine emphasized that a five-year mandate would provide a more realistic period for the formulation, implementation, and assessment of government policies.
He clarified that this recommendation, if implemented, would concern future Presidents and not the current one. The Government also accepted in principle a recommendation to reduce the minimum age for presidential candidates, suggesting lowering it from 40 years to 35 years instead of the 30 years recommended by the Committee. Dr. Ayine noted that the revised age threshold would broaden eligibility while ensuring that candidates possess the maturity and experience required to occupy the nation's highest office.
Furthermore, the Government proposed that presidential elections be held during the first week of November, with the specific date to be determined by the Electoral Commission through a constitutional instrument. Dr. Ayine explained that the proposed time frame would provide greater certainty for the electoral calendar, improve planning by stakeholders, and allow sufficient time between the election and the inauguration of a new President on January 7.
On electoral disputes, Dr. Ayine stated that the Government had accepted recommendations requiring presidential election petitions to be filed within 14 days after the declaration of results and to be determined by the Supreme Court within 30 days. He added that the Electoral Commission would be required to disclose all relevant election data to the court and the parties involved to facilitate the timely resolution of disputes. "We take this position because the timely resolution of election disputes inures well to the stability of our democratic transitions and to the general political stability of our country," Dr. Ayine said.
Additionally, the Government has accepted the principle that a President should no longer be exempt from paying tax solely by virtue of holding office. Under the proposal, the President would pay tax on salary and allowances, as well as applicable indirect taxes on goods and services. However, Dr. Ayine mentioned that the Government had not accepted the recommendation to tax a President's retirement gratuity and pension, explaining that the details of the President's tax obligations would be addressed in the country's tax laws.