By: Kwaku Mensah Abrampa | ignewss – Dormaa, Ghana
Political analyst Mr. Samuel Boateng has opposed a proposal to extend Ghana’s presidential term from four to five years, arguing that the existing four-year mandate provides sufficient time for a government to implement its policies and deliver on its promises.
His comments follow recommendations contained in the Constitution Review Committee’s report, which includes proposals for changes to aspects of Ghana’s constitutional and governance arrangements.
Speaking on the GIFTs FM Morning Show, Mr. Boateng said political parties seeking to govern the country must have clear plans and be prepared to deliver within the constitutional four-year period.
He likened governance to building a house, arguing that adequate preparation and planning must take place before a government assumes office.
According to him, parties that are serious about governing should be capable of translating their policies into results within four years rather than seeking additional time.
Mr. Boateng said the performance of successive governments led by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) does not, in his view, provide sufficient justification for extending the presidential mandate to five years.
He went further to argue that, based on what he described as the poor performance of successive administrations, even a shorter term could be considered.
He warned that extending the presidential tenure could have serious consequences if voters elect a government that fails to meet expectations.
Mr. Boateng argued that a five-year mandate could increase the period during which citizens would have to endure the consequences of poor governance before having another opportunity to change their government through elections.
He therefore maintained that the existing four-year presidential term strikes a better balance between giving governments adequate time to implement their programmes and ensuring regular democratic accountability.
Support for restrictions on MPs becoming ministers
Mr. Boateng also welcomed the Committee’s recommendation to restrict Members of Parliament (MPs) from simultaneously serving as ministers, deputy ministers or regional ministers.
He argued that MPs are elected primarily to represent their constituents and perform legislative and oversight functions in Parliament.
According to him, appointing MPs to ministerial positions often places competing demands on their time and limits their ability to maintain regular contact with constituents.
He said separating parliamentary and ministerial responsibilities would enable MPs to concentrate on their legislative mandate while allowing ministers to focus fully on the executive responsibilities assigned to them.
Mr. Boateng believes implementing the recommendation could strengthen the separation of powers, improve parliamentary oversight and enhance the effectiveness of both Parliament and the Executive.
He said the proposed reforms should ultimately be assessed based on their ability to improve governance, accountability and national development.
SOURCE: www.ignewss.com