By Amoako Kwame
Former Tamale Central Member of Parliament, Inusah Fuseini, has rejected proposals to extend Ghana’s presidential term from four years to five years, arguing that improving efficiency in governance is more important than increasing the length of a government’s tenure.
The proposal forms part of the government’s response to recommendations submitted by the Constitution Review Committee (CRC), which recently presented its report on proposed amendments to the 1992 Constitution.
According to Mr Fuseini, a four-year term provides adequate time for a focused and committed administration to implement policies and fulfil its campaign promises. He maintained that extending the duration of a president’s tenure would not resolve the structural challenges confronting governance in the country.
He argued that the administration of President John Dramani Mahama has demonstrated that governments can achieve significant progress within a relatively short period when they are guided by clear objectives and a strong sense of purpose.
Speaking on Citi FM on Monday, August 3, Mr Fuseini dismissed the notion that newly elected governments spend their first year settling into office while the final year is dominated by election-related activities.
“No, I don’t. John Mahama’s second coming has dispelled that idea. It just means that a government, when you come with intention, purpose, and deliberateness, you’ll be able to achieve so much even in your first year,” he said.
Mr Fuseini further argued that the proposed constitutional amendment could encourage inefficiency rather than improve governance outcomes. Instead, he advocated the introduction of clear performance benchmarks to measure how quickly governments appoint officials, establish institutions and begin implementing policies.
“The amendment is not talking to efficiency. It’s talking to lethargy. You are elected to work for the benefit and welfare of the people,” he stated.
He also called for clearly defined standards to assess the performance of governments from the moment they assume office.
Despite his reservations about the proposal, Mr Fuseini welcomed the broader constitutional review process, stressing that constitutions must evolve to respond to changing national circumstances and societal needs.
The Constitution Review Committee’s report contains several recommendations, some of which have been accepted, modified or rejected as part of efforts to reform Ghana’s constitutional and governance framework.
