Government backs five-year presidential and parliamentary terms, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, has announced as part of the government’s response to the Constitution Review Committee’s (CRC) recommendations to amend the 1992 Constitution.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, July 30, Dr Ayine said the government has accepted the committee’s recommendation to extend the tenure of the President from four years to five years. It has also accepted in principle a corresponding extension of Parliament’s term from four years to five years.

According to the Attorney-General, the government believes the current four-year constitutional term does not provide sufficient time for administrations to effectively formulate, implement and assess national policies.

He explained that the first few months of every administration are usually dedicated to the transition process, while the final year is largely occupied by election-related activities, leaving a relatively short period for governance.

“A longer term provides a more realistic timeframe for the formulation, implementation, and assessment of government policy. The current four-year cycle limits the period available for governance, as the early months of each administration are consumed by transition, while the final year is largely focused on the elections,” the government’s Position Paper stated.

Dr Ayine said the proposed five-year term would give both the President and Members of Parliament greater opportunity to deliver on their mandates and implement development programmes without the constraints imposed by the existing electoral cycle.

On Parliament, the government also accepted in principle the recommendation to extend the tenure of Members of Parliament to five years to align with the proposed presidential term. It further endorsed amending the Constitution to explicitly provide that parliamentary and presidential elections be held on the same day, although this is already the practice.

The proposal forms part of a broader package of constitutional reforms being considered by the government following the submission of the Constitution Review Committee’s report. The recommendations will have to go through the constitutional amendment process before they can take effect.

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A Sprinter bus crash on the Dzorwulu–Accra Mall stretch in Accra has left emergency responders at the scene after a vehicle transporting about 11 lower primary school pupils collided with a loaded tipper truck on Thursday, July 30.

According to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), firefighters were swiftly dispatched to the accident scene to conduct an initial assessment and assist with ongoing emergency operations.

The GNFS disclosed in a social media update that the Sprinter bus carrying approximately 11 lower primary pupils was involved in the collision with the tipper truck. However, authorities have not yet confirmed the number of casualties or disclosed the condition of the children and other occupants.

The cause of the Sprinter bus crash on the Dzorwulu–Accra Mall road has not yet been established. Emergency personnel continued to assess the situation while providing the necessary response at the scene.

The Ghana National Fire Service indicated that further updates will be provided as investigations continue and more information becomes available.

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The government has accepted a key recommendation from the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) requiring the President to pay taxes on salary and allowances while in office, marking a significant step towards promoting accountability and fairness in public office.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, announced the decision on Thursday, July 30, during a briefing on the government’s response to the Constitutional Review Committee’s report.

According to Dr Ayine, the government agrees with the principle that the President should no longer enjoy tax exemptions simply because of the office he occupies.

“The Government has accepted the principle that the President should not enjoy tax exemptions by virtue of office alone. The President will pay tax on salary and allowances, as well as the applicable indirect taxes on goods and services,” he stated.

Retirement Gratuity and Pension Exempt

Despite accepting the recommendation for the President to pay taxes on salary and allowances, the government rejected the proposal to tax the President’s retirement gratuity and pension.

Dr Ayine explained that retirement benefits would remain exempt from taxation, while the specific details of the President’s tax obligations would be outlined in future tax legislation.

“The Government has not, however, accepted the proposal to tax the President’s retirement gratuity and pension, and the details of the President’s tax liability will be worked out in the tax laws, where such details belong,” he added.

Constitutional Reforms Underway

The decision forms part of the government’s broader response to recommendations submitted by the Constitutional Review Committee, which was tasked with reviewing Ghana’s 1992 Constitution and proposing reforms to strengthen governance, transparency and public accountability.

The committee’s recommendations are expected to guide future constitutional amendments and legislative reforms following the nationwide constitutional review process.

The government’s acceptance of the proposal requiring the President to pay taxes on salary and allowances is seen as one of several measures aimed at reinforcing public confidence in leadership and ensuring greater equity in the country’s tax system.

Ghana Police Service has reportedly intercepted the hearse designated to transport the body of Apostle Prof. Emeritus Ing. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka from Transitions Funeral Home following a 10-day interim injunction issued by the Accra High Court.

The reported incident occurred on Friday as thousands of mourners gathered at Gomoa Mpota in the Central Region for the scheduled funeral of the founder and leader of the Kristo Asafo Mission.

According to reports circulating on social media and shared by CDR Africa, police officers stopped the hearse from leaving the funeral home in compliance with the court order, which temporarily suspends the funeral and burial arrangements pending the resolution of an ongoing legal dispute.

CDR Africa shared footage of the incident with the caption:

“Police have stopped the hearse meant to transport the body of the late Apostle Prof. Emeritus Ing. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka from Transitions Funeral Home over a court order, while the funeral continues in Gomoa.”

The injunction, granted by the Accra High Court on July 29, 2026, restrains former Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament Sarah Adwoa Safo from proceeding with the funeral arrangements until the court determines who has the legal authority to organise the late religious leader’s final rites.

Despite the court order, large crowds of mourners travelled from different parts of Ghana to Gomoa Mpota to honour Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka. Many supporters arrived in organised buses to participate in what had been announced as his final funeral ceremony.

Several prominent personalities were also present at the venue, including actress Mercy Asiedu, fashion entrepreneur Osebo the Zaraman, traditional leaders, members of the Kristo Asafo Mission, family members and admirers.

The High Court’s interim injunction was issued to preserve the status quo while the legal dispute over the funeral and burial arrangements is heard and determined.

As of the time of publication, the Ghana Police Service has not released an official statement regarding the reported interception of the hearse. Likewise, the parties involved in the legal proceedings have yet to publicly comment on the latest development.

Government moves to revive VALCO:  The government has clarified that it has not sold the Volta Aluminium Company Limited (VALCO), but is instead exploring strategic investment opportunities to revive the company, improve production and create more employment opportunities for Ghanaians.

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, made the clarification during a visit to VALCO, where he explained that the government’s priority is to restore the company to its former strength and ensure it contributes meaningfully to Ghana’s industrial development.

According to the Minister, several challenges have affected VALCO’s operations over the years, including outdated equipment, damaged production cells, high operational costs and financial difficulties.

He noted that many of the machines currently being used are old and frequently break down, affecting the quality and quantity of aluminium produced.

The Minister explained that if VALCO continues operating with outdated systems, the company risks losing customers due to concerns about product quality.

He added that the company’s financial situation has also affected its ability to meet obligations, including payments to power producers and suppliers who provide essential services and materials needed for operations.

“Many things have happened, and everyone is giving their own side of the story. But the reality is that the government has assessed VALCO’s situation and is taking steps to change its fortunes,” the Minister said.

He stressed that turning around VALCO requires major investment in modern equipment, improved technology and better management systems to enable the company to produce quality aluminium products that can compete on the global market.

The Minister further explained that the government has created an opportunity for investors who are willing to partner with VALCO and inject the needed capital into the business.

He said such investment will help upgrade the company’s facilities, improve productivity, protect existing jobs and open up new employment opportunities for young Ghanaians.

The Lands Minister dismissed claims that the government has sold VALCO, describing such reports as inaccurate.

He explained that the government’s approach is to find credible partners who can support the revival of the company while ensuring that Ghana continues to benefit from its aluminium resources.

The move, he said, forms part of efforts to restore VALCO’s reputation, strengthen Ghana’s industrial sector and return the company to a position where it can contribute significantly to national development.