The Constitution Review Committee (CRC) has proposed sweeping reforms to reinforce the independence and professionalism of Electoral Commission by fixing the tenure of its leadership and restricting post-service political exposure.

The Committee is recommending amendments to Article 223 of the 1992 Constitution to introduce a single, non-renewable 10-year term for the EC Chairperson and Deputy Commissioners, or until they attain the age of 65, whichever comes first.

According to the CRC, the proposed change is intended to insulate the Commission's leadership from political pressure related to reappointment and to allow them to carry out their constitutional duties without fear or favour.

Presenting its report to President John Dramani Mahama on Monday, December 22, the Committee stated:

“The Committee recommends an amendment to Article 223 to provide that the Commissioner and each of the Deputy Commissioners of the Commission shall hold office for a single, non-renewable term of ten (10) years or upon or until he or she attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.”

The CRC further proposed a mandatory cooling-off period for former EC leaders, barring them from holding any other public office for three years after leaving the Commission.

“A person who has held the office of Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner shall, upon retiring or resigning from the position, be ineligible for appointment to any other public office, until after a three-year cooling-off period,” the report added.

Under the proposed framework, EC leadership would enjoy security of tenure, removing incentives to align decisions with political interests. At the same time, the post-service restriction is designed to draw a firm line between electoral management and subsequent public appointments.

The recommendations form part of a broader package of CRC proposals aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, improving governance, and deepening public confidence in Ghana’s constitutional order.