Ghana's constitutional reform debate is gaining momentum, with various stakeholders weighing in on the issue. Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has called for changes to strengthen democracy, curb excessive executive power, and make government more accountable. She emphasized the need to empower Parliament and the judiciary to provide stronger checks on the Executive. Akuffo's comments come as the debate surrounding the Prempeh Committee Report and government's position on its recommendations continues.
Speaking at the Institute of Economic Affairs' Views and Reflections platform seminar, Justice Sophia Akuffo cautioned against rushing the reform process. She advocated for a broad, consultative, and nationally owned process, with sufficient time to assess the implications of each proposed change. Akuffo highlighted the 1992 Constitution's significant contribution to democratic stability and the need to preserve its achievements. She also noted that the experience of over three decades provides substantial evidence of the constitutional framework's effectiveness and weaknesses.
Legal practitioner Victor Anku-Tsede also urged caution, arguing that not every governance challenge requires a constitutional amendment. He emphasized the need to focus on preserving provisions that work while addressing weaknesses that undermine the exercise of public power. Anku-Tsede noted that changing the constitution is not merely a matter of changing words, but rather changing the rules under which public power is exercised and the relationships between institutions.
Former Lands and Natural Resources Minister Inusah Fuseini has proposed retaining the four-year presidential term. He also called for a review of Article 78(1), which requires presidential nominees for ministerial positions to secure parliamentary approval. According to Fuseini, the provision has not achieved its intended purpose and should be amended. He expressed concerns that the provision has confused Parliament and hindered the effective functioning of government.
Former Deputy Lands Minister George Mireku Duker questioned the rationale behind the proposed reforms. He emphasized the need for Ghanaians to first establish whether the changes are intended to fundamentally improve governance before proceeding with amendments. Duker expressed concerns about the selective implementation of the Prempeh Committee Report's recommendations, with only 22 out of 147 recommendations being adopted by the government.
The debate on Ghana's constitutional reform is expected to continue, with various stakeholders contributing their perspectives. The Institute of Economic Affairs' Views and Reflections platform seminar provided a forum for experts to discuss the issue and propose potential solutions. As the debate unfolds, Ghanaians will be watching closely to see how the country's constitutional framework evolves.
The constitutional reform debate is significant, as it has the potential to impact Ghana's governance and democratic stability. The country's 1992 Constitution has been in place for over three decades, and any changes will need to be carefully considered to ensure that they promote the country's long-term interests. Key points to consider include empowering Parliament and the judiciary, preserving provisions that work, and addressing weaknesses that undermine the exercise of public power.
Key points
- Not every governance challenge requires a constitutional amendment.
- Empowering Parliament and the judiciary could provide stronger checks on the Executive.
- A broad, consultative, and nationally owned process is needed to assess proposed changes to the constitution.
