Togbe Afede rejects presidential term extension, the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, has rejected proposals to extend Ghana’s presidential term from the current four years.
According to a report by OnuaOnline, the traditional leader said the economic difficulties Ghana experienced between 2022 and 2024 were among the key reasons he does not support extending the presidential term.
Speaking at the 2026 Asogli Teza on Saturday, October 3, 2026, Togbe Afede said he could not imagine enduring another year under the kind of administration the country experienced during that period.
“Let me add that we all saw the difficulties of the years 2022, 2023, 2024 in particular, and for me, the consequences that we experienced are the reasons why I am not in favour of extending the presidential term beyond four years,” he said.
He acknowledged that there could be arguments in favour of giving governments more time to implement their policies. However, he stressed that the impact of government decisions on ordinary citizens must also be considered when discussing any extension.
“Because I cannot, or I could not imagine one more year under the kind of government we had at the time,” he added.
Constitutional Review Proposes Five-Year Term
The debate over Ghana’s presidential term follows a recommendation by the Constitution Review Committee, chaired by Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, to extend the presidential term from four to five years.
The committee presented its final report to President John Dramani Mahama on December 22, 2025, outlining several proposed constitutional reforms.
In its recommendations, the committee argued that the current four-year presidential term provides limited time for governments to effectively implement their programmes.
It noted that the first six months of an administration are often occupied by the transition process and the appointment of public officials, while the final year is increasingly dominated by preparations and campaigning for the next general election.
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Government Supports Proposed Extension
The government has since expressed support for the recommendation to extend the presidential term.
Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, announced the government’s position during a press conference at the Presidency on Wednesday, July 30, 2026.
However, Togbe Afede XIV’s comments add another perspective to the ongoing national debate, with the traditional leader cautioning against extending the period Ghanaians would have to endure the consequences of an administration whose policies may prove detrimental to the economy and citizens.
His position comes as discussions intensify over the proposed constitutional reforms and whether Ghana should retain the existing four-year presidential term or adopt a longer tenure to allow governments more time to implement their policies
