TUC Backs Five-Year Presidential Term, Calls For Stronger Governance Reforms

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has thrown its support behind the proposed extension of Ghana’s presidential term from four to five years, but stressed that the change must be paired with broader reforms to strengthen governance and accountability.

TUC Secretary-General Joshua Ansah told journalists on Wednesday that while the union noted the government’s acceptance of the proposal, a longer tenure risks exposing citizens to the effects of poor governance for an extended period if other weaknesses in the system are not addressed.

“One cannot therefore merely agree to tenure extension and leave everything else the same,” the TUC stated.

The union called for the term extension to be considered alongside other constitutional reforms aimed at improving Ghana’s overall governance framework.

On related proposals, the TUC supported barring sitting Members of Parliament from serving as Ministers of State, Deputy Ministers or Regional Ministers. However, it opposed a separate suggestion that would prevent an MP who resigns from Parliament from being appointed as a minister during the same term, arguing that such a restriction could limit the government’s ability to appoint qualified individuals.

The government’s earlier acceptance of the five-year term for both the presidency and Parliament forms part of ongoing constitutional review processes stemming from recommendations by a Constitution Review Committee. Any changes would require further legislative steps and a national referendum.