Introduction

Debates regarding the structure of presidential tenure are central to democratic governance and stability. Recently, a proposal by the Constitution Review Committee (CRC) to extend the Ghanaian presidential term of office from four to five years has sparked significant discourse. However, the idea has faced strong opposition from legal and legislative experts.

Nana Agyei Baffuor Awuah, a member of the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee and Vice Chair of the Subsidiary Legislation Committee of Parliament, has publicly described the proposed one-year extension of the presidential term as “useless.” Speaking on Newsfile on PleasureNews, Baffuor Awuah argued that the extension fails to address the core issues facing governance. This article explores the background of the proposal, analyzes the arguments against the extension, and offers practical advice on what should be prioritized instead.

Key Points

Background

The controversy stems from the submission of the Constitution Review Committee’s (CRC) final report to President John Dramani Mahama on Monday, December 22. The comprehensive document contains several recommendations aimed at refining the nation’s governance framework.

The CRC’s Recommendations

Among the key proposals in the report are:

• The separation of the Legislature from the Executive.
• A reaffirmation of the constitutional ban on a third presidential term.
• The specific proposal to increase the presidential tenure from four years to five years.

The CRC has provided a summary of its findings to the President, with the full report expected to be made public in January. This timeline has prompted stakeholders like Baffuor Awuah to voice their concerns early in the public discourse.

Expert Background

Nana Agyei Baffuor Awuah is a prominent figure in Ghanaian legislative affairs. As the Vice Chair of Parliament’s Subsidiary Legislation Committee and a member of the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee, he possesses the technical expertise to evaluate such proposals. His comments were made during a live broadcast on Saturday, December 27, adding weight to the public debate.

Analysis

Baffuor Awuah’s critique is rooted in a historical and practical understanding of constitutional law. His analysis focuses on the “mischief rule”—a legal principle used to interpret legislation by looking at the problem the law was intended to solve.

Historical Precedent: The Fiadjo Commission

One of the strongest arguments against the extension is historical. Baffuor Awuah urges a comparative study against previous constitutional review efforts, specifically referencing the Professor Fiadjo Committee.

According to Baffuor Awuah, the four-year term was not an arbitrary decision. He explained the historical evolution:

“The Consultative Assembly initially preferred five years, the Commission of Experts recommended four, and the Powers of Government Committee opted for five. After careful evaluation, they settled on four years.”

This history suggests that the four-year term was a deliberate compromise designed to balance executive power with democratic accountability. Revisiting this now, without a compelling new “mischief” to cure, appears to ignore established constitutional wisdom.

The Fallacy of “Completing Work”

The primary justification for the extension is reportedly to give presidents more time to complete their projects. Baffuor Awuah dismantles this logic:

The Reality of Governance: In modern governance, leadership is cyclical, but development is linear. Presidents inevitably initiate projects, contract loans, and pass laws whose full impact extends far beyond their tenure. Whether a term is four or five years, a leader will likely not finish every initiative they start.

The One-Year Difference: Baffuor Awuah argues that adding a single year is statistically negligible regarding the completion of long-term national projects. If a project takes ten years, an extra year in one term does not bridge the gap. Therefore, the extension is a “useless” remedy that does not cure the alleged illness of incompletion.

Practical Advice

Instead of altering the term limits, Baffuor Awuah suggests shifting the focus toward institutional continuity. This approach ensures that national development is not derailed by changes in political administration.

Focus on Institutional Continuity

To achieve long-term development goals, the focus should be on legal and administrative mechanisms that bind future administrations to current projects. This includes:

• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Creating contractual obligations that survive political transitions.
• Independent Oversight Bodies: Empowering agencies to monitor project timelines regardless of who is in power.
• Legislative Frameworks: Passing laws that mandate the completion of critical infrastructure projects.

What Policymakers Should Consider

Policymakers should look at the following alternatives rather than extending the term:

1. Succession Planning: Ensuring that Vice Presidents and key appointees are fully briefed to maintain momentum.
2. Project Handover Protocols: Formalizing the transfer of ongoing projects to ensure data and funding are preserved.
3. Constitutional Adherence: Focusing on enforcing the separation of powers to reduce corruption and improve efficiency, rather than extending terms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why does Baffuor Awuah think the extension is useless?

He argues that one extra year does not solve the fundamental problem that no president can complete all tasks during their tenure. He believes the focus should be on continuity mechanisms rather than term length.

What is the current presidential term in Ghana?

Currently, the Constitution stipulates a four-year term for the President, a provision that was finalized after extensive deliberation in previous constitutional reviews.

What is the “Fiadjo Commission”?

The Professor Fiadjo Committee is a previous constitutional review body. Baffuor Awuah cites it to show that the four-year term was a carefully considered decision, not an accident.

Has the proposal been approved?

No. The proposal is part of a report submitted to the President. It requires significant legislative and possibly referendum processes to become law. Public debate is currently ongoing.

Conclusion

The proposal to extend the presidential term from four to five years has ignited a vital conversation about the nature of governance and development in Ghana. While the intention may be to allow more time for national projects, Nana Agyei Baffuor Awuah’s analysis suggests that the solution lies elsewhere.

By labeling the extension “useless,” he challenges stakeholders to look beyond the tenure of individuals and focus on the resilience of institutions. The historical evidence from the Fiadjo Commission and the practical realities of governance indicate that continuity of policy—not a longer term—is the key to sustainable national development. As the CRC report goes public, this perspective will likely remain a central point of contention.

Sources

• Life Pulse Daily – “One-year extension of presidential time period useless – Baffuor Awuah” (December 27, 2025).
• PleasureNews – Newsfile Broadcast (December 27, 2025).
• Constitution Review Committee (CRC) Final Report Submission (December 22, 2025).
• Historical records regarding the Professor Fiadjo Committee and the 1992 Constitution drafting process.