PRESIDENTIAL TERM EXTENSION MUST GO TO REFERENDUM – Oliver Barker-Vormawor Criticises Proposals By Constitution Review Committee

Oliver Barker-Vormawor, Constitutional Rights and Policy Strategy Advisor at Democracy Hub, has faulted the Constitution Review Committee (CRC) for classifying the proposal to extend the presidential term to five years as a semi-entrenched provision.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Wednesday, January 7, Barker-Vormawor contended that a national referendum should be held to allow Ghanaians to make the final decision since the matter is too important to be decided by Parliament alone.

He clarified that the CRC’s recommendations divide constitutional provisions into two categories: semi-entrenched clauses, which can be changed by Parliament with a supermajority, and entrenched clauses, which need to be approved through a referendum.

He emphasised that the duration of a presidential term is essential to Ghana’s democratic architecture, even if he conceded that this framework is meant to simplify constitutional amendments.

“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 that they put into the semi-entrenched category that goes to Parliament. I think this is a question that people should speak on,” he stated.

Barker-Vormawor added that any suggestion modifying the length of a presidential term should be addressed similarly because the two-term restriction for the presidency has been placed under entrenched provisions necessitating a referendum.

He warned that keeping individuals out of such a crucial choice runs the risk of damaging public trust in changes meant to bolster democratic government as well as the constitutional review process.

NKONKONSA.com