Ghana has initiated steps to transition from a four-year to a five-year presidential term. This change stems from a 2025 constitutional review commissioned by President John Dramani Mahama.
Dominic Ayine, the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, noted that the current timeframe is inefficient. He argued that new administrations lose significant time to transition processes, while outgoing governments focus heavily on upcoming elections. Extending the term aims to provide leaders with a more stable period to implement their agendas.
The proposal also covers a five-year term for Parliament and updates to presidential candidacy requirements. Specifically, the government plans to lower the minimum age for presidential candidates from 40 to 35. Additionally, the government intends to reschedule presidential elections to the first week of November. This shift is designed to ensure a smoother transition before the January 7 inauguration.
Drafting for the necessary constitutional amendment is underway, with a bill expected to reach the legislature in three months. If the bill passes, the proposal will face a national referendum in 2027. Success requires a 75 percent approval rate from at least 50 percent of all registered voters.
