Four years enough for any government to deliver – IEA rejects five-year term

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has dismissed a proposal to extend the term limits for Ghana's President and Members of Parliament from four to five years. Former Chief Justice and IEA Fellow, Justice Sophia Akuffo, stated that the four-year term is long enough for governments to execute their programs. At a press briefing ahead of an IEA seminar discussing recommendations from the Prempeh Committee and government proposals on constitutional reforms, Justice Akuffo argued that governments should be prepared and begin implementing policies immediately after taking office, rather than using part of their mandate to establish their administrations.

She criticized the prolonged process of appointing ministers and key officials, which reduces the time available for governments to carry out their programs. The IEA emphasized the importance of striking a balance between effective policy implementation and democratic accountability, acknowledging that while proponents argue a longer term would allow for more time to implement long-term plans, opponents argue that shorter electoral cycles enhance public accountability.

The institute suggested that the proposed extension should be examined in conjunction with efforts to strengthen the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), arguing that a robust long-term national development framework could enable successive governments to implement significant programs within four-year terms, while promoting a unified national development trajectory.