Mahama discloses plan to extend presidential and parlimantary terms from 4 years to 5

President John Dramani Mahama has signalled a change in Ghana’s governance structure, revealing that his administration is considering extending the tenure of political officeholders from 4 years to 5 years.

presidency, Parliament, local assemblies and district leadership.

According to him, the current four-year term has proven inadequate for governments to implement policies and deliver meaningful long-term impact before electoral pressures begin.

The proposed reform could be one of the most significant constitutional changes. The current term limits both the President and Members of Parliament to four-year terms.

Mahama, however, did not disclose a specific timeline for the completion of the review or when any formal constitutional amendment process would begin.

The debate over whether Ghana’s four-year electoral cycle undermines effective governance has since been a national conversation.

Many have long argued that the current system leaves little room for policy continuity, as newly elected governments often spend their first year forming administrations, appointing officials and settling into office, while attention gradually drifts towards re-election campaigns by the 3rd year.