Oliver Barker-Vormawor, Constitutional Rights and Policy Strategy Advisor at Democracy Hub, has criticised the Constitution Review Committee (CRC) for proposing that an extension of the presidential term from four to five years be treated as a semi-entrenched constitutional provision.
Barker-Vormawor argued that the issue is too significant to be decided by Parliament alone and should instead be subjected to a national referendum to allow citizens to have a direct say.
He explained that the CRC’s proposals classify constitutional amendments into entrenched provisions, which require approval through a referendum, and semi-entrenched provisions, which can be amended by Parliament with a supermajority vote. While he acknowledged that this structure is intended to simplify the amendment process, he maintained that the length of a presidential term is a core element of Ghana’s democratic system.
“I disagree with the committee. I think it is one of the questions that should go to a referendum. It is one of the questions they have placed under the semi-entrenched category that goes to Parliament. This is a matter the people should speak on,” he said.
Barker-Vormawor further argued that since the two-term limit for presidents has been classified as an entrenched provision requiring a referendum, any proposal that alters the duration of a presidential term should be treated with the same level of scrutiny.
He warned that sidelining citizens on such a critical issue could weaken public confidence in the constitutional review process and undermine trust in reforms intended to strengthen Ghana’s democratic governance.
