Four-Year Term Too Short to Transform Ghana – Shamima Muslim

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim has reignited debate over Ghana’s four-year presidential term, describing it as “wholly insufficient” to drive meaningful and sustainable national development.

Speaking in a media interview, Ms. Muslim argued that the short political cycle hampers continuity, fuels wasteful spending on frequent elections, and disrupts long-term development planning.

“The four-year term is wholly insufficient if we are truly to change the path and trajectory of our development. Expensive elections that begin as soon as one ends are not a practical way to manage scarce resources,” she said.

She explained that much of a government’s first year is consumed by appointments and political transitions, while the remaining years are often spent gearing up for the next election, leaving little room for real governance and transformation.

Ms. Muslim suggested exploring creative constitutional reforms that could allow political parties to retain effective leaders for more than two terms, while still ensuring democratic accountability.

“If a political party elects someone whose vision is delivering results, let them continue if the people agree. Voters will still have the power to decide,” she proposed.

According to her, such a system could grant governments a 12- to 15-year window to pursue consistent policies, though she cautioned that longevity in office doesn’t always guarantee good leadership.

She urged Ghanaians to use the ongoing constitutional review process as an opportunity to reconsider the structure of governance for sustained national progress.

“It would be detrimental to the country if we miss this chance to have an honest national conversation on reforming our system,” she concluded.