CRC recommendations: Christian Council rejects proposed five-year presidential term

The Christian Council of Ghana has voiced strong opposition to a proposed extension of the presidential term from four to five years. Members of the Council argue that four years is ample time for an elected government to carry out its program. Instead, they emphasize the importance of policy continuity, with successive administrations building on the development initiatives of their predecessors.

The recommendation to lengthen the presidential term is part of an ongoing constitutional review process. Government officials have accepted the Council's recommendation, contending that an extra year would provide more time for thorough policy formulation, implementation, and assessment. However, Rev. Paul Kwabena Boafo, President of the Africa Methodist Council, a representative body of Christianity in Ghana, expressed skepticism about the necessity of a longer electoral cycle for effective governance.

Rev. Boafo stated that the Council does not believe a five-year term is essential for good governance. He emphasized that the church supports the views of the Institute for Economic Affairs and other national bodies, who argue that the existing four-year term is sufficient for an elected government to implement its program. The real question, according to the Council, is whether an elected government is committed to continuing the policies started by previous administrations.

The Council believes that substantial national development can be achieved within the current four-year term, provided that governments prioritize policy continuity. They do not advocate for extending the electoral cycle to five years. The church also endorses the strengthening of the National Development Planning Commission as an independent body responsible for coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating the national development plan. This approach would help prevent the abandonment of development projects when governments change.

Regarding presidential appointments, the Council supports reducing the President's appointment powers, particularly concerning independent constitutional bodies. They advocate for appointment processes that allow greater stakeholder participation and differentiate between executive offices and independent constitutional bodies. The Church believes that appointment processes should limit the President's appointing powers when dealing with independent constitutional bodies, while still allowing other key stakeholders to determine appointments.

The Christian Council also welcomes stronger constitutional protection against religious discrimination. However, they stress that this protection must be balanced with the right of mission schools to maintain their distinctive identity and ethos. The Council emphasizes that the proposed framework should protect freedom of conscience and belief while recognizing the unique character of mission-founded institutions.