Prof. Henry Kwasi Prempeh, Executive Director of CDD-Ghana, has expressed his views on his recent appointment as the head of the Constitution Review Committee.
He remarked that this appointment, along with the composition of the committee’s membership, indicates a genuine commitment from the President to advance the constitutional reform agenda.
Prof. Prempeh noted that the selection of the committee members reflects a serious intent to address long-standing issues within the governance framework.
He emphasized that this move aligns with the President’s promise to reset governance and implement meaningful reforms.
“I salute H.E. John Dramani Mahama for his bold and statesmanlike step in appointing me, a non-NDC member and a known critic of his last Government, to chair the just-announced constitution review committee–hopefully, the last such body on the long road to reforming the 1992 constitution”.
Prof. Henry Kwasi Prempeh
According to Prempeh, the establishment of the committee marks a significant step towards fulfilling the pledge to overhaul and improve the nation’s constitutional and governance structures.
He expressed optimism that this initiative would foster a more robust and democratic system, ultimately benefiting the entire country.
He expressed his gratitude, stating that he welcomes the opportunity to contribute to advancing this important national cause.
Prof. Prempeh further shared an interesting anecdote, revealing that the last time he had any direct interaction with H.E. President Mahama was back in 2019 during a mission in Harare, Zimbabwe.
At the time, President Mahama was serving as the head of a Commonwealth delegation tasked with monitoring the general elections in Zimbabwe, while Prof. Prempeh was present as an election observer.
He noted that this was their last face-to-face or direct communication.
Prof. Prempeh emphasized that since that encounter, he has not had any further discussions or meetings with President Mahama, underscoring the limited nature of their personal interactions.
“I was informed earlier of his intentions regarding my appointment and the committee by the Attorney General-designate Dr. Dominic Ayine. I am humbled”.
Prof. Henry Kwasi Prempeh
Commitment to National Interest in Constitutional Reform
Furthermore, Prof. Henry Kwasi Prempeh expressed his gratitude to the President for entrusting him with this significant national assignment.
He conveyed his deep appreciation for the confidence placed in him and assured the President of his unwavering commitment to the task at hand.
Prof. Prempeh emphasized that he, alongside the members of the committee, would prioritize the interests of the nation above all else.
He pledged to dedicate their collective expertise and efforts to supporting the President in advancing the constitutional reform agenda.
“I have not quit my day job at CDD. This is a ‘responsibility’ appointment, not a ‘reward’ appointment. So don’t salivate or get green-eyed; prayers kɛkɛ because ɛyɛ ɛdwuma nkoaa! No contracts or galamsey concessions”.
Prof. Henry Kwasi Prempeh
He also asserted that the review of the constitution is crucial for promoting good governance, strengthening democratic institutions, and fostering inclusive development for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
Prof. Prempeh reiterated his determination to work diligently within the parameters of their mandate to ensure that the constitutional reform project yields meaningful and lasting improvements for the country.
Accordingly, Prof. Henry Kwasi Prempeh urged the public to disregard the predictable critics who are already casting doubt on the committee’s work.
He acknowledged that skepticism from certain quarters was expected but emphasized that these distractions should not derail the important mission at hand.
Prof. Prempeh stressed that both the committee and the public have far more pressing and substantial issues to focus on, particularly in relation to the constitutional reform agenda.
He called for collective attention and effort to be directed toward addressing these critical matters, which hold significant implications for the country’s governance and future development.
By focusing on the task at hand, he expressed confidence that the committee could make meaningful contributions to advancing the nation’s democratic and institutional framework.
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