Barring any unforeseen circumstances, a draft report on the review of the 1992 Constitution will be presented to President John Dramani Mahama by the first week of October this year.
The Secretary of the Constitution Review Committee (CRC), Dr Rainer Akumperigya, said in an interview with the Daily Graphic:
“We are working hard to finalise the draft report, and we expect to present it to the President by the end of September or early October. We have met with various stakeholders, including the Council of State and the Trades Union Congress (TUC), and we are considering all the submissions we have received.”
According to him, key issues raised during stakeholder consultations and public engagements included presidential term limits, curbing the excessive powers of the President, appointing ministers from Parliament, and the election of metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives (MMDCEs).
Amendment Process
Dr Akumperigya explained that the committee’s work would not end with the submission of the draft report. The CRC would continue to work with Parliament and the Executive to ensure smooth implementation, while also providing explanations and clarifications to Parliament and other stakeholders.
He noted that the committee’s recommendations would take the form of bills for consideration by Parliament. Where entrenched clauses are involved, a referendum would be required, with at least 40 per cent voter turnout and 75 per cent approval.
To enrich its work, the CRC has engaged experts from other jurisdictions, including former Supreme Court judges and constitutional law specialists, to draw lessons from global best practices. However, Dr Akumperigya stressed that while international perspectives would be considered, the recommendations would be tailored to Ghana’s unique context.
Gratitude
The committee expressed profound gratitude to the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) for its invaluable partnership in organising zonal engagements. It also acknowledged the support of chiefs, Tindaana, traditional leaders, regional ministers, MMDCEs, civil society organisations (CSOs), persons with disabilities (PWDs) and the general public, whose contributions enriched the nationwide consultations.
Background
President John Dramani Mahama inaugurated the CRC on January 25 under the chairmanship of Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh. The committee is tasked with identifying key areas of the Constitution that require updating to reflect Ghana’s evolving democratic and socio-economic realities. Its mandate also includes reviewing past recommendations, engaging stakeholders, and proposing reforms to strengthen the country’s governance system.
Source: Graphic.com.gh
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