“I don’t see any rational basis” – Inusah Fuseini rejects proposed five-year term

Former Tamale Central MP Inusah Fuseini has rejected a proposal to extend the tenure of the President and Members of Parliament from four to five years. This proposal is part of the report from the Constitution Review Committee led by Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh. The government has endorsed the recommendation, stating that an extra year would afford administrations more time to develop, execute, and evaluate policies.

However, during a press conference on September 23, prior to an Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) seminar on the constitutional review, Fuseini raised doubts about the justification for extending the term. He contended that the existing four-year term provides ample time for a governing body to carry out its policies. "And if you're operating for four years, the final year is typically spent campaigning for re-election.

Perhaps you could have three years if you've been re-elected for a second term," Fuseini explained. He also dismissed the notion that a five-year term would enhance policy continuity. Fuseini pointed out that the 1992 Constitution already supports governance continuity via the Directive Principles of State Policy. "Regarding continuity, the Constitution itself anticipated it.

That's why the Directive Principles of State Policy obligate each succeeding President to, as much as possible, continue with ongoing projects," he remarked. He further argued that the constitutional framework acknowledges that a President may not be able to finish all policy objectives within a single term, and subsequent governments can either continue or enhance existing projects.

"Therefore, I believe the constitutional arrangement should be adhered to," Fuseini concluded. Fuseini's remarks came ahead of the IEA's "Views and Reflections" seminar on the Prempeh Committee's report and the government's stance on the proposed constitutional amendments. The IEA itself has opposed the suggested extension of presidential and parliamentary terms, maintaining that four years is sufficient for an elected government to carry out its agenda.