Ghana's 1992 Constitution has been the foundation of the country's democratic journey under the Fourth Republic. However, over three decades since its adoption, there is growing consensus that the constitutional framework needs examination to determine if it still meets the aspirations and needs of Ghanaians. The country has undergone significant changes since 1992, and so have citizens' expectations. One major concern is the concentration of power in the Executive, alongside questions about the effectiveness of Parliament and other institutions in providing adequate checks and balances.
President John Dramani Mahama initiated the review process by establishing the Professor H. Kwesi Prempeh Constitution Review Committee. The Committee presented its report to the President, and the government issued its position on the recommendations. The process has moved beyond identifying areas for reform to implementing those reforms. An 11-member Constitution Review Implementation Committee, chaired by Marietta Brew, has been inaugurated to examine the Prempeh Committee's report and develop a framework for implementing the proposals.
The Citizens Platform on Constitutional Reforms, convened by CDD-Ghana, STAR-Ghana Foundation, and Democracy Hub, is calling for a clear implementation roadmap backed by law. The Platform wants the government to introduce and secure the passage of a Constitutional Reform Implementation and Roadmap Act. This legislation should establish what reforms are to be undertaken, which institution is responsible for each stage, and when each stage must be completed.
The proposed roadmap would provide milestones for public consultations, preparation of legislation, parliamentary consideration, civic education, and referendums where necessary. For the Citizens Platform, the principle is straightforward: the Constitution belongs to the people, and citizens should be able to see clearly what is being proposed, who is responsible for implementing it, and the timeline for implementation.
Vice President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Rebecca Ekpe, emphasized that constitutional democracy is about more than elections and changes in government. It is also about how power is exercised, how institutions work, and whether governance translates into better opportunities and improved living conditions for ordinary people.
The current constitutional reform process is crucial in addressing these concerns. The review process aims to critically examine Ghana's constitutional framework, ensuring it meets the changing needs and expectations of citizens. The Citizens Platform's call for a clear roadmap reflects the need for transparency and citizen engagement in the implementation process.
The government's response to the Citizens Platform's proposal and the implementation of the constitutional reforms will be crucial in determining the level of citizen engagement and ownership in the process. The Constitution Review Implementation Committee's work will be closely watched as it develops a framework for implementing the proposed reforms.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government has established a committee to implement constitutional reforms, but civil society organizations are calling for a clear roadmap backed by law.
- The 1992 Constitution has been the foundation of Ghana's democratic journey, but concerns have been raised about the concentration of power and effectiveness of institutions.
- Citizens are demanding greater transparency and engagement in the constitutional reform process.
