We reject the proposed extension of presidential term to five years – Minority

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed opposition to the proposed extension of Ghana's presidential term from four years to five years. Sulemana Tampuli Alhassan, a Member of Parliament for Gushegu, stated that the party prefers maintaining the existing four-year presidential mandate. During a press conference on September 17, 2026 in Accra, Alhassan argued that the four-year term enables citizens to regularly evaluate the performance of elected governments over shorter periods.

The Constitutional Review Committee (CRC), chaired by Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, had recommended extending the presidential term from four to five years in their report submitted on December 22, 2025. The government subsequently accepted this recommendation on July 30, 2026, alongside a proposal to extend Parliament's tenure from four years to five years as well.

Alhassan expressed concerns that extending the presidential term could undermine democratic accountability. He emphasized that extending the term weakens the principle of regular accountability. Instead, he suggested addressing challenges related to policy implementation, government transitions, and the formation of administrations through greater efficiency and timely decision-making.

The NPP has also indicated its intention to present its position on the broader constitutional reform proposals, stating that any changes to the 1992 Constitution should be based on extensive consultation and consensus.