John Agyekum Kufuor supports five-year presidential term proposal

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has declared his support for extending Ghana's presidential term from four to five years, arguing that the current four-year cycle is insufficient for effective governance. Speaking in a Joy News interview on October 28, 2026, the former leader emphasized that the extension would allow administrations more time to implement and evaluate their development programs without the immediate pressure of re-election campaigning. This proposal is currently being considered as part of an ongoing constitutional review process.

Kufuor highlighted the practical challenges of the existing electoral calendar, describing the final year of a term as a "mad year" dominated by electioneering. He pointed out that the beginning of a term is often slowed by the appointment process and a steep learning curve for new ministers. According to Kufuor, these factors combine to leave a government with effectively only two years of focused policy implementation, which he believes is inadequate for achieving significant national development goals.

The former president’s stance places him at odds with his own party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP). While Kufuor prioritizes administrative efficiency, the NPP has advocated for maintaining the four-year term to ensure regular electoral accountability. Kufuor clarified that his support for a longer term does not imply an interest in extending any individual presidency beyond the existing two-term limit; rather, it aims to enhance the quality of governance within the established constitutional framework.

This debate over the duration of the presidency coincides with other proposed electoral reforms, including a suggestion to move the general election date from December to November to allow for smoother transitions between administrations. While the government has indicated a willingness to accept recommendations for a longer term, the proposal continues to spark debate among political stakeholders regarding the balance between administrative stability and democratic oversight.