Ghana’s government has accepted proposals to extend the presidential term from four years to five and lower the minimum age required to contest for the presidency, marking a significant step in the country’s ongoing constitutional review process.
According to Reuters, the reforms were recommended by a constitutional review committee established by President John Dramani Mahama to examine the 1992 Constitution and propose changes aimed at strengthening governance.
The proposed amendments, if eventually approved, would reshape Ghana’s electoral calendar, presidential tenure and eligibility requirements for future presidential candidates.
President John Dramani Mahama established the constitutional review committee last year, with the government now accepting several of its key recommendations in principle.
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According to Reuters, Attorney General and Minister for Justice Dominic Ayine announced that the government has accepted a proposal to extend the presidential term from four years to five years.
Reuters reported that the government also agreed to extend the term of Parliament so that it aligns with the proposed five-year presidential tenure.
The government said the longer tenure would allow administrations more time to implement their programmes, noting that the early months of every administration are often devoted to transition activities, while the final year is largely dominated by election preparations.
Reuters also reported that the government accepted the recommendation to reduce the minimum age for presidential candidates but opted for a threshold of 35 years instead of the 30 years originally proposed by the review committee.
In addition, presidential elections are proposed to be held during the first week of November to create a longer transition period before the inauguration of a new administration on January 7.
Another committee will now prepare two constitutional amendment bills, which Reuters reported are expected to be ready by October 2026.
What This Means For Africa
Ghana’s proposed constitutional reforms could become one of the continent’s most closely watched governance developments if they progress through the required legislative and public approval processes.
For President John Dramani Mahama, the proposed changes are intended to provide future governments with more time to implement policies while reducing the disruption associated with frequent election cycles.
According to Reuters, any amendment relating to presidential term limits must ultimately be approved through a national referendum expected in 2027.
For the referendum to succeed, at least 40% of registered voters must participate, with a minimum of 75% voting in favour of the proposal.
If approved, the reforms could influence broader discussions across Africa about constitutional governance, electoral systems and leadership succession, particularly as several countries continue reviewing their constitutional frameworks to improve political stability and institutional effectiveness.
The outcome of Ghana’s constitutional reform process will therefore be closely watched by policymakers, legal experts and democratic institutions across the continent.
Ghana’s proposed constitutional changes remain subject to legislative approval and a national referendum, making the coming months a significant period for one of Africa’s longest-standing democracies as it considers reforms that could shape its political future.
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Image Credit: Ghana Football Association
