The Constitution Review Committee (CRC) has announced a series of stakeholder and public engagements aimed at gathering input for the ongoing constitutional review process.
These engagements, scheduled to take place across multiple zones in the country, represent a crucial step in shaping Ghana’s democratic future.
President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to constitutional reform was reaffirmed on January 19, 2025, when he officially inaugurated the committee, setting the stage for what is expected to be a rigorous and inclusive review process.
The CRC, under the leadership of Prof. H. Kwasi Prempeh as Chairman, includes distinguished legal and governance experts such as Justice Sophia Adinyirah, Prof. Kwame Karikari, Mrs. Charlotte Osei, Dr. Godwin Djokoto, Ibrahim Tanko Amidu, Dr. Esi Ansah, and Dr. Rainer Akumperigya as Secretary
The Committee, in a statement issued by Dr. Rainer Akumperigya, Secretary of the Constitution Review Committee, outlined two distinct forms of engagement: targeted stakeholder consultations on specific constitutional themes and open-ended discussions with the general public at designated zonal locations.
These efforts align with the broader objective of fostering inclusive governance and ensuring that diverse perspectives contribute to the review process.
The CRC is inviting written submissions from various stakeholder groups, including thematic experts, affected public institutions, professional associations, civil society organizations, trade unions, and political parties.
The Committee has provided a structured timetable for submissions on key thematic areas:
- Lands and Natural Resources – March 12, 2025
- Decentralization, Local Government & Chieftaincy – March 15, 2025
- Public Services and Enterprises – March 20, 2025
- Executive Advisory Councils (Council of State, IGP and Police Service Council, Prison Service Council, Armed Forces Service Council, National Security Council) – March 20, 2025
- Independent Constitutional Bodies/Offices – March 20, 2025
- Directive Principles of State Policy, Social and Economic Rights, and National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) – March 20, 2025
- Political Parties – March 20, 2025
- Political Branches (Executive & Legislature) – March 20, 2025
- The Judiciary – March 20, 2025
- Other Issues (Finance: Central Bank/Governor, Public Debt Management, Discretionary Power, Dual Citizenship, Amendment Procedure, etc.) – March 20, 2025
According to its statement, submissions can be made via the following channels:
- Email: Memoranda should be sent electronically to [email protected]
- Online Platform: An interactive website (www.constitutionreviewgh.org) has been launched for public engagement and online submissions.
- In-Person Delivery: Written submissions may be submitted physically at the CRC Secretariat, located at the Office of the President Annex, adjacent to the Ministry of Communication.
Zonal Public Engagements
In addition to stakeholder consultations, the Committee has scheduled National Validation Engagements across different regions of the country.
These zonal engagements will provide an opportunity for Ghanaians from diverse backgrounds to contribute to the constitutional review process. The schedule is as follows:
- Zone 1 (Accra): April 7-8, 2025
- Zone 2 (Tamale/Bolgatanga): April 10-11, 2025
- Zone 3 (Wa): April 14-15, 2025
- Zone 4 (Kumasi): April 22-23, 2025
- Zone 5 (Takoradi/Cape Coast): April 25-26, 2025
- Zone 6 (Koforidua): April 29-30, 2025
- Zone 7 (Ho): May 5-6, 2025
The CRC is encouraging active participation from the public, emphasizing that the constitutional review process is an inclusive exercise meant to reflect the aspirations and concerns of all Ghanaians.
The 1992 Constitution has been the backbone of Ghana’s democracy for over three decades. However, calls for amendments have intensified, particularly in areas concerning decentralization, executive powers, political accountability, and the role of independent constitutional bodies.
The CRC’s engagement process seeks to address these concerns by incorporating broad-based perspectives into proposed amendments.
The CRC has assured the public of transparency throughout the review process and has reiterated its commitment to incorporating all views before finalizing recommendations for constitutional amendments.
The Committee encouraged all citizens to participate actively in the engagements and to submit memoranda through the provided channels.
As Ghana embarks on this significant constitutional reform journey, the CRC is urging citizens to take full advantage of the process, emphasizing that a robust and inclusive constitution is key to national progress and democratic stability.
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