Majority of Ghanaians Support Five-Year Presidential Terms, Constitutional Reforms Show Strong Public Backing

A nationwide survey reveals significant public support for key constitutional reforms proposed by Ghana's Constitutional Review Commission, with 57 percent of voters backing an extension of the presidential term from four to five years. The poll, conducted by Global InfoAnalytics, suggests a growing appetite for fundamental changes to Ghana's governance structure ahead of potential constitutional amendments.

The survey, which sampled 13,495 registered voters across the country between December 1 and December 21, 2025, demonstrates that constitutional reform proposals have resonated with a substantial portion of the electorate. The findings provide critical data for policymakers as they consider whether to advance these reforms through the legislative process required for constitutional amendments.

The proposal to extend presidential terms from four to five years received backing from 57 percent of respondents, while 36 percent expressed opposition. Seven percent indicated they remain undecided on the issue.

This reform would represent a significant shift in Ghana's political calendar, which has operated on four-year election cycles since the adoption of the 1992 Constitution. Proponents argue that five-year terms would provide presidents additional time to implement policy initiatives and reduce the frequency of expensive electoral campaigns.

Critics, however, contend that extending presidential terms could reduce accountability and delay the electorate's ability to evaluate and respond to government performance. The debate reflects broader questions about balancing governance stability with democratic responsiveness.

The survey reveals even stronger approval for prohibiting Members of Parliament from serving simultaneously as ministers. Fifty-eight percent of respondents favor this separation, compared with 32 percent who oppose it, while 10 percent expressed no clear position.

This proposal addresses longstanding concerns about conflicts of interest and parliamentary oversight effectiveness. Currently, Ghana's system allows the president to appoint MPs as ministers, creating a situation where legislators who should scrutinize executive actions are themselves members of the executive branch.

Advocates for separation argue that prohibiting dual roles would strengthen parliamentary independence, enhance legislative oversight of government spending and policy implementation, and create clearer accountability lines between branches of government. This reform aligns with practices in several established democracies where legislative and executive functions remain distinct.

Opponents warn that the change could deprive the government of experienced politicians who understand both legislative processes and executive implementation, potentially complicating policy coordination between Parliament and the executive branch.

The poll found that 55 percent of voters support reducing the minimum age required to contest the presidency, while 35 percent oppose the change. Ten percent expressed no opinion on the matter.

Ghana's current Constitution sets the minimum age for presidential candidates at 40 years. Lowering this threshold would expand eligibility to younger citizens, potentially increasing political competition and bringing fresh perspectives to national leadership.

Supporters argue that age restrictions are arbitrary and that competence, vision, and leadership capabilities matter more than chronological age. They point to successful young leaders globally who have effectively governed their nations.

Critics maintain that the presidency requires extensive experience and maturity that typically come with age, arguing that the current threshold serves important purposes in ensuring leadership readiness.