Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim has called for a national discussion on extending Ghana’s presidential term, arguing that the current four-year mandate is inadequate for meaningful development.
Speaking in an interview with TV3, she explained that the short political cycle hampers progress, encourages wasteful spending on frequent elections, and disrupts long-term planning. “It is true that the four-year term is wholly insufficient if we are truly to change the path and trajectory of our development,” she said.
Ms. Muslim observed that governments spend a significant portion of their tenure making appointments and preparing for the next election, leaving little time to implement policies. She noted that the constant election cycle drains resources that could otherwise be used for national development.
While recognizing concerns about potential abuse of power, she proposed creative constitutional reforms to promote continuity without compromising democracy. She suggested allowing political parties to retain performing leaders beyond the current two-term limit if citizens continue to support them.
According to her, this approach could provide governments with 12 to 15 years to implement consistent policies while maintaining voter power as the ultimate check on leadership. However, she cautioned that longer terms alone do not guarantee good governance, stressing that citizens must remain vigilant and hold leaders accountable.
Concluding her remarks, Shamima Muslim urged the ongoing Constitutional Review Committee to take up the issue and help shape a framework that supports sustainable national progress.
