Accra: The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has rejected a proposal to extend the terms of the President and Members of Parliament from four to five years, arguing that the existing four-year mandate is sufficient for elected governments to implement their programmes. The IEA made its position known in a press statement dated Wednesday, September 2, 2026, outlining its views on key constitutional review proposals put forward by the Prempeh Committee and the government.
According to Ghana Web, extending the tenure of elected officials requires stronger justification than has so far been provided. The IEA emphasized, 'Four years is sufficient for an elected government to implement its programme, and extending the tenure of elected officials should not be undertaken without much more cogent and compelling evidence that the existing four-year mandate is inadequate.'
The IEA, however, expressed support for several other reforms aimed at reducing presidential powers and strengthening Ghana's democratic institutions. On presidential appointments, the institute backed the Prempeh Committee's objective of reducing what it described as the President's 'overwhelming appointing powers'. It stressed that the reviewed Constitution should contain detailed provisions to ensure that appointments to public offices are based on merit and inclusiveness.
The IEA also called for reforms to the process of appointing judges, including the Chief Justice, arguing that the Judicial Council should be transformed into an independent body responsible for judicial appointments. The institute suggested that the review should introduce appointment procedures based on clearly defined principles and international standards.
Furthermore, the IEA supported a constitutional cap on the number of Supreme Court Justices but noted that the size of the court must be considered alongside its jurisdiction. It highlighted that a cap of 19 Justices, as proposed by the government, or any other number, would only be justified if the Supreme Court's appellate jurisdiction is appropriately reduced.
On local governance, the IEA favoured the election of all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), but rejected the government's proposal for presidential nomination of candidates. The institute argued that all qualified citizens should be allowed to contest MMDCE elections through a non-partisan process to strengthen local-level democracy.
The IEA also supported a proposal to prevent Members of Parliament from simultaneously serving as Ministers, Deputy Ministers or Regional Ministers, arguing that such a reform would strengthen Parliament's independence and ability to scrutinise the Executive.
Additionally, the institute backed constitutional restrictions preventing Ministers, Deputy Ministers and MPs from serving on the boards of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), advocating for governance driven by competence and professionalism rather than political considerations.
On the issue of corruption, the IEA supported constitutionalizing stronger measures on unexplained wealth and asset declarations, emphasizing the need for clear and enforceable constitutional obligations to detect and address illicit enrichment by public officials.
The institute also expressed serious reservations about the government's proposed methodology and timeline for completing the constitutional amendment process. It called for more time for public education, consultation, and consensus building, stressing that constitution-making must be consultative and deliberate.
The broader objective of the IEA is to support a constitutional framework that limits excessive executive power, strengthens Parliament and the Judiciary, deepens local democracy, and improves accountability. The institute emphasized the importance of building institutions capable of serving Ghana beyond individual Presidents, governments, and political parties.