Inusah Fuseini opposes proposal to extend presidential term to five years

Former Ghanaian MP Inusah Fuseini has voiced opposition to the government's proposal to extend the presidential term from four years to five years. Fuseini argued that enhanced governance efficiency should take precedence over lengthening the tenure of office. This proposal is part of the government's response to the recommendations presented by the Constitution Review Committee (CRC) in their recent report on amendments to Ghana's 1992 Constitution.

Fuseini firmly believed that a four-year term is ample for a focused administration to implement its programs and deliver tangible results. He contended that extending the term would not resolve fundamental governance issues. Fuseini contended that President John Dramani Mahama's second administration disproved the notion that more time is necessary for governments to achieve their objectives.

He emphasized that a dedicated government can make significant strides within its first year in office, refuting the idea that the initial year is largely dedicated to settling into office, while the final year is dominated by election activities. Fuseini further contended that the proposed amendment incentivizes inefficiency instead of addressing it, advocating for the establishment of measurable performance benchmarks to evaluate how promptly governments establish their administrations and begin fulfilling their campaign promises.

Regarding the broader constitutional review, Fuseini expressed his support, acknowledging that constitutions should evolve to reflect the nation's changing realities. The CRC's report includes a variety of proposals, some of which the government has adopted, modified, or rejected as part of the ongoing constitutional reform endeavors.