In a decisive step towards constitutional reform, President John Dramani Mahama has officially sworn in an eight-member Constitution Review Committee tasked with evaluating and proposing amendments to Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
The committee, composed of distinguished legal and governance experts, is expected to review past recommendations, engage key stakeholders, and outline a roadmap for essential constitutional reforms to align with Ghana’s evolving democratic and socio-economic landscape.
The newly constituted committee is chaired by Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, a renowned constitutional scholar and the Executive Director of the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana).
Among its notable members are former Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson Charlotte Osei, former Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Sophia Adinyirah and renowned academic and governance expert Prof. Kwame Karikari.
Other members include Dr Godwin Djokoto, Ibrahim Tanko Amidu, Dr. Esi Ansah and Dr. Rainer Akumperigeya who is the secretary.
Their task is to identify critical areas of the Constitution requiring amendments to enhance governance, deepen democracy, and address socio-economic challenges.
During the swearing-in ceremony, President Mahama underscored the significance of the committee’s work, stressing that it must not be another exercise in rhetoric but a defining moment in Ghana’s democratic journey.
“The task before you is critical. You are not just reviewing reports and proposing amendments; you are helping to shape the future of our dear nation, Ghana. Your mandate is to carefully examine past recommendations, identify necessary changes, and create a clear roadmap that will lead to meaningful constitutional amendments”.
President John Dramani Mahama
He further urged the members to ensure that their efforts lead to tangible outcomes, emphasizing that Ghana’s constitutional review process must not become another “chapter in the history of unfulfilled reform efforts.”
“This process must be a turning point where Ghana moves decisively from discussions to actions. Understand the weight of responsibility that comes with this task, and I assure you that your work will not be in vain”.
President John Dramani Mahama
Commitment to Deliver Reforms Within Five Months
In his acceptance speech, Committee Chairman Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh expressed gratitude to President Mahama for entrusting him and his team with this crucial national assignment.
He assured the President of the committee’s unwavering commitment to delivering on its mandate within five months of its inauguration.
“On our part, my members and I pledge that we will return the trust with equal sincerity and seriousness. We will pursue our task with the sole aim of bettering the fortunes of the people, setting us on a course of progress and development, and helping you, Mr. President, to fulfil the pledge that you have made.”
Professor H. Kwesi Prempeh
He also commended President Mahama for demonstrating a genuine commitment to constitutional reforms early in his administration, saluting his dedication to strengthening Ghana’s governance system.
This latest initiative marks a renewed effort to address longstanding constitutional concerns that have been the subject of national debate for years.
The 1992 Constitution, while credited with providing stability and a solid foundation for democratic governance, has been criticized for various inadequacies, including excessive executive powers, lack of accountability mechanisms, and outdated provisions that do not reflect current socio-political realities.
Previous constitutional review efforts, including the work of the Constitutional Review Commission under former President John Evans Atta Mills, have yielded recommendations, some of which were not fully implemented.
The Mahama-led initiative seeks to build upon these past efforts while ensuring that the reforms lead to substantial and lasting improvements in governance.
The committee is expected to embark on nationwide consultations, engaging political parties, civil society organizations, traditional rulers, academia, and the general public to ensure inclusivity and broad-based consensus on the proposed amendments.
The committee’s final report will serve as the foundation for legislative actions and possible referenda to effect the necessary constitutional changes.
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