{
  "id": 9411979,
  "title": "IEA opposes proposal to extend presidential, parliamentary terms to five years",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/iea-opposes-proposal-to-extend-presidential-parliamentary-terms-to",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-23T20:51:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Adom Online",
    "slug": "adom-online",
    "url": "https://www.adomonline.com/iea-opposes-proposal-to-extend-presidential-parliamentary-terms-to-five-years/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has voiced opposition to a proposal to extend the presidential and parliamentary terms in Ghana from four years to five. The institute maintains that the current mandate is sufficient for elected governments to effectively prepare and carry out their policies. Former Chief Justice and IEA Fellow, Justice Sophia Akuffo, emphasized that there is no strong reason to extend the term, arguing that governments should not spend a significant portion of their tenure setting up their administrations. She also highlighted the delays in appointing key officials, which further reduces the time available for governments to achieve their goals. The debate over the proposed extension should consider both the need for effective policy implementation and democratic accountability. While supporters argue that an extra year could allow for more time to implement long-term plans, opponents believe that shorter electoral cycles foster greater voter accountability. The IEA suggests that the decision should be tied to strengthening the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) to ensure continuity in national development agendas.",
  "summary": "The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has opposed a proposal to extend the tenure of Ghana’s President and Members of Parliament from four to five years. The institute argues that the current four-year mandate is adequate for elected governments to prepare and implement their policies, provided they are sufficiently prepared before assuming office. Former Chief […]",
  "key_points": [
    "IEA opposes extending Ghana's presidential and parliamentary terms to five years.",
    "Current four-year mandate deemed sufficient for effective policy implementation.",
    "Justice Sophia Akuffo argues against term extension due to administrative delays."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}