The ongoing constitution review process has gained considerable momentum as the Constitution Review Committee (CRC) enters its third month of extensive public engagement.
According to Prof. Henry Kwesi Prempeh, Executive Director of CDD-Ghana and Chairman of the CRC, the 8-member body, the Committee has undertaken a total of 25 significant engagements with diverse groups across the country.
These include 12 Thematic Stakeholder Engagements, 5 Identifiable Interest Group Engagements, and 8 Eminent Person Engagements.
All thematic and group engagements have been live-streamed, ensuring transparency and national access to the reform discussions.
“Our Thematic Stakeholder Engagements have covered the following areas: Lands and Natural Resources; Local Government and Decentralization; Public Services and State Enterprises; Independent Constitutional Bodies and Council of State; Transitions; Political Parties; The Executive and Legislature; the Judiciary; Rights, Gender and Youth; Public Finance and Economic Governance; and Anticorruption.”
Prof. Henry Kwesi Prempeh
Prof. Prempeh indicated that discussions on Chieftaincy and Citizenship are yet to be held, with plans underway to address these themes soon and complete the full scope of the thematic engagements.
According to him, the committee also held discussions across sectors with identified interest groups.
These cross-thematic engagements involved Business and Labour Groups, Academia and Professional Bodies, the Military, Police and Other Security Services, and the Media. Additional engagements are expected to include traditional authorities and religious leaders.
Key Stakeholders Join National Dialogue On Constitution Review
Prof. Henry Kwesi Prempeh also noted that beyond stakeholder and interest group consultations, the committee has engaged several prominent national figures.
These Eminent Persons include President John Dramani Mahama and former President J.A. Kufuor, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, former Speaker Mike Ocquaye, former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo, as well as renowned legal experts like Sam Okudzeto and Nana S.K.B. Asante. Additional figures consulted include Nana Ato Dadzie and Prof. Kwamena Ahwoi.
These engagements with national icons—many of whom have either contributed directly to past constitutional development or have governed under the 1992 Constitution—are aimed at gathering seasoned perspectives to guide possible reforms.
“Our Zonal Public Engagements are planned for the following locations in the coming weeks: Accra, Wa, Bolgatanga, Tamale, Sunyani, Kumasi, Koforidua, Cape Coast, Takoradi, and Ho. An online engagement is also planned with the Ghanaian Diaspora. Firm dates for the zonal engagements will be announced in due course.”
Prof. Henry Kwesi Prempeh
Prof. Prempeh indicated that, beyond domestic outreach, an online engagement is also planned with Ghanaians living abroad.
This will ensure that voices from the diaspora, many of whom contribute significantly to Ghana’s economy and society, are included in the review process.
As part of efforts to attract younger voices into the conversation, the Committee has announced a special social media engagement on Monday, May 19, 2025.
The virtual event, according to him, will take place on X Spaces (formerly Twitter Spaces) at 7:00 pm and will be hosted by popular influencer Kaly Jay.
In a continuing show of transparency and openness, the CRC encouraged all Ghanaians to submit their views.
Written submissions, including recommendations and proposals for constitutional amendment, are being accepted via email.
Prof. Prempeh emphasized the importance of citizen input in shaping a democratic and inclusive future.
The committee remains committed to gathering feedback from a broad section of the population to ensure any proposed changes to the constitution reflect the will and needs of Ghanaians from all walks of life.
As the public engagement phase progresses, the Constitution Review Committee is demonstrating that reform is not only about legal frameworks but also about listening to the people and addressing evolving national needs through participatory governance.
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