The Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) is urging the government to enact legislation to guide the implementation of proposed constitutional reforms. This call is part of concerns raised by over 100 civil society organisations regarding the ongoing constitutional review process. According to CDD-Ghana, a clear roadmap backed by law is necessary to ensure the process continues despite changes in government. The proposed law would help prevent disruptions to the reform process.
Programmes Officer for Elections, Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption at CDD-Ghana, Vera Abena Addo, emphasised the need for a constitutional reform implementation roadmap. She noted that previous attempts at constitutional reform have stalled due to changes in government. Abena Addo expressed concerns that the process could be disrupted by elections, campaigns, or a change in government. The CSOs are pushing for a law to regulate the reform process.
The proposed referendum in 2027 and the 2028 general elections have raised concerns among CSOs about the continuity of the reform process. Abena Addo stated that Ghana has attempted constitutional reform before and should avoid restarting the process due to a change in political leadership. The CDD-Ghana is advocating for a law that would identify reforms that can be implemented immediately and those requiring further negotiations and consensus-building.
According to CDD-Ghana, an agreed legal framework could ensure that the process continues regardless of changes in government. The proposed law would help determine how recommendations should be considered and implemented over the coming years. Abena Addo noted that stakeholders share common ground on the need for an inclusive and credible reform process, despite differences over specific proposals.
The CSOs believe that broad agreement already exists among stakeholders on the need for constitutional reform. However, differences remain over specific proposals and the process for implementing them. Abena Addo stated that the NPP, TUC, and civil society groups may disagree on some issues but share common ground on the need for an inclusive and credible reform process.
The Constitution Review Implementation Committee is urged to facilitate further consensus-building, including consideration of various positions presented by stakeholders. Abena Addo emphasised that the momentum for reform should not be lost. The CDD-Ghana is pushing for a law that would regulate the reform process and ensure its continuity.
The call for legislation to guide the implementation of proposed constitutional reforms comes as Ghana prepares for a referendum in 2027. The CDD-Ghana and other CSOs are advocating for a clear roadmap to ensure the process continues despite changes in government.
Key points
- Centre for Democratic Development calls for law to guide implementation of proposed constitutional reforms
- Proposed law would help prevent disruptions to the reform process
- Stakeholders share common ground on the need for an inclusive and credible reform process
