Ghana extends presidential term to five years after Constitutional Review Committee recommendation

• The Ghanaian government has accepted a recommendation to extend presidential and parliamentary terms from four years to five years.
• The decision follows a recommendation by the Constitutional Review Committee, which completed its review of the country's constitution and submitted its final report in December 2025.
• The proposed extension aims to provide governments with sufficient time to implement their policies and programs effectively.
• Lawmakers will need to pass legislation, including a constitutional amendment, to implement the change, marking a significant shift in Ghana's governance structure.

The current constitutional cycle does not allow for adequate time to achieve [governmental goals].

The Ghanaian government has accepted a recommendation to lengthen the presidential and parliamentary terms from four years to five years. This decision follows a recommendation by the Constitutional Review Committee, which completed its review of the country's constitution and submitted its final report in December 2025. The committee's suggestion is aimed at providing governments with sufficient time to implement their policies and programs effectively. According to officials, the current constitutional cycle does not allow for adequate time to achieve this goal.

The proposed extension of presidential and parliamentary terms is a significant development in Ghana's legislative landscape. The Constitutional Review Committee was established to examine various aspects of the constitution, including the length of government terms. The committee's recommendation has been accepted by the government and will require lawmakers to pass legislation, including a constitutional amendment, to implement the change. If approved, this would mark a substantial shift in the country's governance structure.

The potential extension of presidential and parliamentary terms has far-reaching implications for Ghana's political landscape. Lawyers and compliance officers should be aware of the possible changes to government policies and programs, as well as the potential impact on future elections and parliamentary proceedings. The shift could also influence the country's overall governance framework, with significant consequences for citizens, businesses, and other stakeholders.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for potential changes in government policies and programmes, as well as possible implications for future elections and parliamentary proceedings.

Source: Original reporting via Government sources