The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has opposed a recommendation to extend Ghana’s presidential tenure from four years to five, insisting that the existing four-year term should remain unchanged.
Former Chief Justice and IEA Fellow, Sophia Akuffo, disclosed the institute’s position during an appearance on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
According to her, the IEA does not support the proposal put forward by the Constitutional Review Committee, popularly referred to as the Prempeh Committee, to lengthen the tenure of the President.
“I think we did mention that the proposal by the Prempeh Committee, which of course is acceptable to the Executive, that the term should be five years rather than four years and the IEA says no, we do not support such an extension,” she said.
Madam Akuffo argued that individuals who seek elected political office should enter government with a well-defined programme and a clear understanding of the people they intend to work with.
She questioned why newly elected administrations often take considerable time to constitute their governments, particularly when appointing ministers, regional ministers and members of governing boards of public institutions.
She maintained that political leaders should be adequately prepared before taking office so they can begin implementing their programmes without unnecessary delays.
“One would expect that you arrive and you’re on your feet and you’re running and within hours of assuming office you’re naming your ministers, you’re naming your regional ministers and so on and so forth,” she stated.
The IEA’s position comes after the government announced its acceptance of the Constitutional Review Committee’s recommendation to increase the tenure of both the President and Parliament from four years to five years.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, announced the government’s position in July 2026 as part of its response to the committee’s recommendations.
The proposed extension would therefore require a change to Ghana’s existing constitutional arrangements if it is ultimately adopted.
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