On Monday, 22nd December 2025, Ghana reached a key moment in its political history when the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) presented its final report to the President His Excellency John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House in Accra. The committee, which has spent the year consulting Ghanaians and analyzing the constitution, led by Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh.
The report recommends some major changes to Ghana’s
governance
1. 5-Year Presidential Term:The committee wants to extend the president’s term from four years to five. This is to give leaders more time to implement policies effectively.
2. Lowering the Age Limit:They propose that presidential candidates should be at least 30 years old instead of 40, giving younger leaders a chance to lead the country.
3. No MPs as Ministers: Members of Parliament would no longer be allowed to serve as ministers, deputies, or regional ministers. This is meant to strengthen the separation of powers in government.
Advantages of the Proposed Reforms
1. More Time for Leadership: Extending the presidential term allows leaders more time to plan and implement long-term policies without the distraction of constant elections.
2. Opportunities for Youth: Lowering the age limit opens the door for younger Ghanaians to participate in national leadership, reflecting the country’s youthful population.
3. Stronger Principle of Separation of Powers: Preventing MPs from serving as ministers ensures that Parliament can provide better oversight of the executive, reducing conflicts of interest and improving governance.
Disadvantages of the Proposed Reforms
1. Risk of Long-Term Leadership: A longer presidential term may reduce accountability if a president underperforms, as citizens have to wait longer to vote for change.
2. Inexperience of Younger Leaders: Lowering the age limit could bring in leaders who may lack the political experience or understanding needed to handle complex national issues.
3. Reduced Flexibility in Appointments: Banning MPs from ministerial positions limits the pool of experienced lawmakers for executive roles, which could slow decision-making or reduce political cohesion.
The Constitutional Review Committee’s report has sparked widespread discussion across Ghana. While supporters praise the reforms for promoting youth participation, stronger governance, and longer-term planning, critics worry about potential risks such as inexperience among younger leaders and reduced accountability. As the report moves towards parliamentary consideration and possibly a national referendum, Ghanaians are expected to engage in lively debate over the future of the country’s leadership and democratic processes.
STORY BY : Nana Yaa Boateng
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