The Deputy Roads and Highways Minister and Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Alhassan Suhuyini, has weighed in on proposed reforms to Ghana’s electioneering period, emphasising that while the government can regulate the timeline of elections, it cannot legislate against campaigning itself.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Tuesday, December 23, Suhuyini said, “I don’t think that we can legislate against campaigning, but yes, electioneering periods and timetables and those things we can work on.”

His comments follow proposals by the Constitution Review Committee, aimed at shortening the extended and often disruptive electoral cycle.

The chairman of the committee, Prof Prempeh, in presenting the committee’s final report to President John Mahama at the Jubilee House on Monday, December 22, highlighted concerns over the long campaign periods that frequently stretch over several months.

He noted that the protracted timelines hinder government officials from fully focusing on governance, citing that the President typically spends about six months preparing for elections and an additional year campaigning.

Suhuyini stressed the importance of implementing reforms that maintain the integrity of elections while also allowing officials to concentrate on governance.

He indicated that adjustments to the election calendar could improve efficiency without infringing on the democratic right of citizens and politicians to campaign.