4-Year Presidential Term 'Too Short' for Meaningful Development in Ghana and Nigeria - Goodluck Jonathan

Ada, Ghana - 24 April, 2025 - Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has criticized the four-year presidential term in Ghana and Nigeria, describing it as too short for delivering sustainable national development.

Speaking at the Executive Leadership Retreat in Ada, Ghana, Jonathan argued that the limited tenure hampers a president's ability to implement long-term policies.

“If you are a new person and you just came in, you need about a year before you will adjust. You work for two years, the next year is an election year. So time to really move your country is very limited,” he added.

Jonathan noted that the structure of the four-year term leaves little room for meaningful progress, with the first year spent adjusting to office and the final year consumed by election preparations.

He pointed out that most African countries have a five-year presidential term, allowing for more stability and continuity.

“In Nigeria and Ghana, our tenure for president is so short. In Africa, it is only Nigeria and Ghana that have a four-year tenure of presidency. Most countries have five years. What can somebody do in four years?” he questioned.

The comments have reignited debates in both Ghana and Nigeria about the effectiveness of their presidential terms and the impact on governance and national progress

Source: Lead News Online