Ernesto Yeboah, Leader of the radical Nkrumaist movement, the Economic Fighters League, has emphasized that for over two decades, the fight has been for a completely new Constitution for Ghana—not for a review, amendment, or minor adjustments.
He expressed frustration, stating that throughout his years of advocacy, the term “new” has been consistently misunderstood, ignored, or substituted with calls for modifications, reviews, or rebranding by those in power.
Yeboah stated that when given the opportunity, he would undoubtedly provide Ghana with a new constitution.
However, he stressed that if amendments are the only viable option at this time, the introduction of Proportional Representation, akin to South Africa’s system, must be prioritized in Ghana’s electoral framework.
“Over the years, I have come to understand that you cannot win everything in politics. You win some, you lose some. Expecting a new Constitution from President Mahama is as improbable as expecting urine from a cock.
“It was refreshing to hear President Mahama say that he views his second term as a legacy term. Undoubtedly his contribution to bringing young people into governance has been the basis for sustained vitriolic attacks from his political opponents who have thought that it was most reckless of him to hand whole ministries to persons with little or no work experience”.
Ernesto Yeboah, Leader of the Economic Fighters League
Yeboah also pointed out that with his return, President Mahama has made a historic achievement by appointing Ghana’s first female vice president.
He noted that while these accomplishments are noteworthy, it is crucial to ask what will happen to youth and women’s representation in governance after Mahama’s tenure.
According to Yeboah, this presents an opportunity for President Mahama to solidify his legacy.
He further emphasized that the Proportional Representation electoral system has the potential to significantly transform Ghana’s decision-making processes.
He asserted that it will ensure that governance genuinely reflects the diverse voices of society—women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
Yeboah expressed a hope that President Mahama would leave behind a legacy of inclusion, a goal well within his grasp if he chooses to pursue it. “But legacies aren’t built on benevolence—they are built on systems and structures that endure beyond one leader”.
Call for Inclusivity Through Constitutional Change
Furthermore, Ernesto Yeboah emphasized that President Mahama has a unique opportunity to guarantee a place for women, youth, persons with disabilities, and the most qualified individuals at the decision-making table—not by the discretion of a leader, but as a constitutional mandate.
He pointed out that, for example, our current Parliament does not include a single person living with a disability.
Yeboah implied that individuals in wheelchairs or those with visual impairments have valuable contributions to make in governance.
Accordingly, he noted that Proportional Representation would address this by ensuring that every segment of society has a voice, establishing inclusion as a fundamental right rather than a privilege.
“And look, culturally as Ghanaians, we are not a winner-takes-all people. Our traditions are rooted in consensus-building, where everyone has a say and every voice matters. Yet, our current political system is exclusionary, leaving the best among us sidelined. Proportional Representation would bring us back to our roots, fostering collaboration and unity instead of division.
“Without systemic change, we perpetuate a cycle of failure, where one group waits for another to fail just to take over, instead of working together to defeat poverty, disease, and ignorance. How long can we sustain this madness?”
Ernesto Yeboah, Leader of the Economic Fighters League
Yeboah noted that President Mahama has a historic opportunity to solidify his legacy by laying the foundation for a more inclusive Ghana.
According to him, this should be the presidency that makes representation—of women, youth, and persons living with disabilities—a constitutional guarantee. It should be the term that ends the tyranny of winner-takes-all politics.
He stated that continuing to rely on the goodwill of leaders or institutionalizing inclusivity through a Constitution that serves all Ghanaians. “Let us build a Ghana where representation is not a favour, but a right—one that reflects the full potential of our people. It is time to act”.
Yeboah indicated that the answer lies in our collective resolve to fight for a system that values every voice and leaves no one behind. “Let us give Ghana the Constitution it truly deserves”.
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