Ex-President Kufuor backs 5-year presidential term despite NPP opposition

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has expressed support for a proposal to extend the country's presidential term from four to five years. In an interview with JoyNews, Kufuor argued that the additional year would provide governments with more time to implement their policies and development projects. According to him, the current four-year term is insufficient for a young nation trying to develop.

"Four years is too short for a young nation that is trying to develop," Kufuor stated. He further explained that a five-year term would allow a government to focus on its development agenda for four years before the final year is dominated by electioneering. Kufuor's endorsement of the proposal contrasts with opposition from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to which he belongs.

"Now I say five years, if for whatever reason my party (NPP) says no, that is their point of view," he emphasized. The proposal is part of the ongoing constitutional review process and yet to receive parliamentary approval and presidential assent. The debate over the presidential term has centered on whether extending the period in office would allow successive governments sufficient time to complete development projects before seeking a renewed mandate from voters.