Speaking in an interview with JoyNews, Prof Prempeh explained that the current president was elected under the existing constitutional framework, which stipulates a four-year term of office.

As a result, the changes recommended by the Constitution Review Committee, including the extension of the presidential term, will take effect only for future officeholders.

“It is not possible. He [John Mahama] was elected under a constitution that gives him only four years. He cannot change his term history; it is not possible,” he said.

He added that “In fact, in an earlier version of this report, for the avoidance of doubt, we had stated that this will take effect after this [Mahama’s] current term.”

On Monday, December 22, the Constitution Review Committee presented its work to the president.

Speaking during the ceremony, Prof Prempeh noted that the committee has proposed an extension of the presidential term of office from four years to five years, as part of recommendations aimed at strengthening governance and policy continuity.

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In a statement issued on December 23, 2025, the group acknowledged that while the CRC identified key weaknesses in the political system and proposed some useful reforms, it stopped short of endorsing what it described as the most effective structural solution to underrepresentation, particularly for youth, women and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

According to the EFL, Ghana’s democratic challenge is fundamentally a crisis of representation. It noted that under the current first-past-the-post electoral system, millions of voters remain unrepresented despite participating in elections.

The group argued that the existing system favours money, entrenched party structures and patronage, while systematically excluding minority voices and non-elite candidates.

The League also expressed concern over the CRC’s decision to defer the issue of proportional representation to a future independent study, describing the move as an unnecessary delay that entrenches structural exclusion.

It maintained that proportional representation has been proven globally to improve women’s participation in governance and would also enable political support for persons with disabilities to translate into actual representation.

The EFL therefore called on Parliament, civil society organisations, organised labour and the general public—especially youth, women and PWDs—to demand the constitutional entrenchment of proportional representation as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

The group stressed that inclusion is a constitutional obligation, not a favour, warning that without proportional representation, other proposed reforms risk reinforcing existing inequalities within Ghana’s democratic system.

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In a Facebook post on Monday, December 22, 2025, Mr. Kpebu wrote, “Extending the 4-year term to a 5-year term is a NOT NOT,” stressing his firm rejection of the idea.

He argued that the current four-year term provides presidents with adequate time to implement policies while ensuring regular accountability to the electorate through frequent elections.

His remarks followed the presentation of the Constitutional Review Committee’s final report to President John Dramani Mahama at Jubilee House.

Chaired by Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, the committee’s report proposes reforms to the 1992 Constitution, including changes to governance structures, the powers of state institutions, and the tenure of elected officials.

Kpebu warned that extending the presidential term could weaken democratic oversight and reduce the electorate’s ability to hold leaders accountable. He urged policymakers and citizens to ensure that regular electoral review remains a central principle in any constitutional reform.

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The recommendations are outlined in the Committee’s final report, which was presented to President John Dramani Mahama on Monday, December 22.

A key proposal introduces a new tenure arrangement for the Chief Justice. The CRC recommends that the Chief Justice serve a single, non-renewable term of 10 years or retire at age 70, whichever comes first.

Under the proposal, a Chief Justice would retire with full benefits attached to the office. However, if the 10-year term expires before the individual reaches 70, the person may choose to continue serving as a Justice of the Supreme Court.

For other Justices of the Superior Courts, the Committee proposes tenure until retirement, resignation, or death. The mandatory retirement age would remain 70 for Supreme Court and Court of Appeal justices, while High Court judges would continue to retire at 65.

Beyond tenure, the CRC has recommended a harmonised and clearly defined process for the removal of Justices of the Superior Courts, including the Chief Justice. Grounds for removal would be standardised across the judiciary and include mental or physical incapacity, incompetence, gross misconduct, breach of the judicial code of conduct, or bankruptcy.

For the Chief Justice, the Committee proposes a layered and confidential removal procedure. A petition for removal may be submitted to the Council of State, which has seven days to refer it to its judicial committee to determine if a prima facie case exists.

If no sufficient grounds are found, the petition would be dismissed. If a prima facie case is established, the Council would notify the President and the Speaker of Parliament. The President may then suspend the Chief Justice pending further investigations.

The Council of State would subsequently constitute a five-member tribunal to examine the matter. The tribunal would comprise a non-lawyer appointed by the President, a former Member of Parliament nominated by the Speaker, a representative of the Public Service Commission, a nominee of the National House of Chiefs, and a former Supreme Court Justice appointed by the Judicial Council, who would serve as chair.

Tribunal proceedings would be held in camera, and the body would be required to submit its findings within 60 days.

According to the CRC, these reforms aim to strengthen judicial independence, enhance accountability, and introduce greater clarity and certainty into the governance of Ghana’s judiciary.

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The Committee says the proposal forms part of a broader package of reforms aimed at streamlining the Supreme Court’s appellate jurisdiction, reducing its workload, and improving the speed and quality of justice delivery.

To give legal effect to the recommendation, the CRC has called for an amendment to Article 128(1) of the 1992 Constitution to formally establish an upper limit on the Court’s membership.

According to the Committee, fixing a maximum number of justices would preserve flexibility in judicial appointments while guarding against the unchecked expansion of the apex court.

However, the CRC advised against imposing numerical limits on the Court of Appeal and the High Court, arguing that these courts require greater flexibility to respond to population growth, increasing caseloads, and the evolving demands of justice administration.

The proposals form part of the CRC’s wider constitutional reform agenda, which is expected to be considered by government as efforts continue to strengthen Ghana’s judicial system and democratic governance.

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Led by the Chairman, Prof. Henry Kwasi Prempeh, the committee presented its report on Monday, December 22, 2025.

In its report, the committee among other things proposed a five-year presidential term and a review of the presidential age limit from 40 to 30 years.

For his part, President Mahama pledged a bipartisan approach towards the implementation of the reforms.

The eight-member committee was inaugurated by President Mahama as part of efforts to review aspects of the 1992 Constitution.

Other members include Justice Sophia Adinyira, a former Supreme Court judge; Professor Kwame Karikari; Mrs Charlotte Osei; Dr Godwin Djokoto; Ibrahim Tanko Amidu; Dr Esi Ansah; and Dr Rainer Akumperigeya.

Below is the full report:

Speaking in Accra on Monday, December 22, after receiving the Committee’s final report, President Mahama acknowledged that some proposals may be seen as far-reaching but emphasized that they are necessary to strengthen governance and rebuild public trust in democratic institutions.

“I think that many of the recommendations you’ve made are quite revolutionary. Some are quite radical, but I think it’s in the interest of our democracy,” he said.

He added, “It is important for us to let our citizens know that democratic governance is still better than any other form of governance.”

President Mahama highlighted that democracy allows citizens the freedom to express themselves and realize their creative potential, unlike military or authoritarian systems where power is concentrated at the top. He also pointed to democratic setbacks in parts of the West African subregion, noting that Ghana’s proposed constitutional reforms come at a critical time to safeguard the country’s democratic credentials.

On implementation, he assured that the government will adopt a collaborative, bipartisan approach, engaging political parties and other stakeholders to implement as many recommendations as possible.

Regarding proposed changes to the Council of State, President Mahama said strengthening its role in presidential appointments would enhance transparency and credibility, while preserving the president’s constitutional authority.

The Constitutional Review Committee, chaired by Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, has proposed several major reforms, including:

Shortening election campaign periods to allow governments more time to focus on governance

Extending the presidential term from four to five years

Separating the Executive from Parliament

Restructuring the Council of State according to its 1969 framework

Redefining the role of chiefs in local governance

Depoliticising state-owned enterprises

Improving public sector appointment procedures

Splitting the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) into separate human rights and anti-corruption bodies

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Under the recommendation, the eligibility age would be lowered from 40 to 30 years.

“The Committee recommends an amendment to Article 62(b) to lower the minimum age a person must attain to qualify for election as President from forty (40) years to thirty (30) years,” Professor Prempeh stated on Monday at the Jubilee House during the presentation of the Committee’s final report to the President.

He explained that the proposal forms part of broader constitutional reforms intended to promote inclusivity and expand opportunities for young people to participate in national leadership.

In addition to the age review, the Committee has also proposed extending the presidential term of office from four years to five years. According to the CRC, the move is aimed at improving governance effectiveness and ensuring greater policy continuity.

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In a Facebook post, the Minister for Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said the presentation is expected to take place at 2:00 p.m.

President Mahama had previously indicated that the committee briefed him on its preliminary findings during a meeting held about three weeks ago. Speaking at a separate engagement with the National Peace Council at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, December 10, the President described the early findings as noteworthy and assured the public of transparency once the final report is submitted.

“They met me three weeks ago and made a presentation of some of the findings they were going to make. They are quite interesting. They intend to present the final results on December 22. Once the final report is presented, we will make it known to the rest of the nation,” he said.

The eight-member committee was inaugurated by President Mahama as part of efforts to review aspects of the 1992 Constitution.

It is chaired by Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, Executive Director of the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana). Other members include Justice Sophia Adinyira, a former Supreme Court judge; Professor Kwame Karikari; Mrs Charlotte Osei; Dr Godwin Djokoto; Ibrahim Tanko Amidu; Dr Esi Ansah; and Dr Rainer Akumperigeya.

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The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Effutu, called on civil society to play its critical watchdog role in national affairs without fear, favour or bias.

He was speaking during an engagement with members of the Constitution Review Committee (CRC) last Tuesday in Parliament.

The meeting brought together members of the Minority Caucus and the CRC.

Among members of the Minority were the Deputy Minority Leader and Member of Parliament (MP) for Asokwa, Patricia Appiagyei; Second Deputy Minority Chief Whip and MP for Weija-Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed Shiab; MP for Ofoase-Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah; MP for Asante Akyem Central, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi; and MP for Gushegu, Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana.

Engagement

The discussions centred on possible areas of constitutional reform, including the partial fusion of membership between Parliament and the Executive, the proposed election of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), political party participation in local government elections, Article 71, the jurisdictions of the Supreme Court and the accountability of security services for human rights violations.

During the engagement, the Chairman of the CRC, Prof. H. Kwesi Prempeh, briefed the Minority Caucus on its activities, including public consultations held since the latter part of the first quarter of the year.

The meeting, he said, demonstrated the CRC’s commitment to engaging with key stakeholders and fostering a collaborative approach to constitutional reform.

Background

The engagement is part of the CRC’s efforts to gather input from various stakeholders and develop comprehensive recommendations for constitutional reforms.

The Minority Caucus’s contribution is expected to inform the committee’s deliberations and ensure the review process is inclusive and representative of diverse perspectives.

Source: Graphic.com.gh

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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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Also, the Committee met with former Suame MP, former Majority Leader and former Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu.

The move forms part of the Committee tasked with proposing amendments to Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, and public consultations to gather input from stakeholders across various sectors.

In a Facebook post, the Chairman of CRC, Prof H. Kwasi Prempeh described the meetings as productive.

He added that the committee will soon announce the new calendar for the rescheduled zonal public engagements nationwide.

Prof. Prempeh further encouraged citizens to send their written submissions to: submissions@constitutionreviewgh.org.

The committee’s engagements have spanned key areas including Land and Natural Resources, Local Government and Decentralisation, Public Services and State Enterprises, the Judiciary, Executive and Legislature, Rights, Gender and Youth, Public Finance and Economic Governance, and Anti-Corruption Measures.

Discussions on chieftaincy and citizenship are yet to take place.

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Speaking at the forum, Professor Amin Alhassan, Director-General of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), said that despite the growing influence of social networks, there remained a critical need for public-interest media like the GBC, which prioritises national welfare over profit.

He noted that government and public broadcasters could play a key role in curbing misinformation and offering reliable content that serves the national good.

“And even in a case where everybody has access to social media, you will see a social media platform that is trustworthy. And that cannot be subjected to the private interest of the owner of the platform,” he said.
“That is what GBC does. It seeks to counter the tendency of privately owned media to pursue their own interests.”

Prof. Alhassan called for strategic investment in radio broadcasting to strengthen Ghana’s democratic process.

He advocated improved funding for GBC to enhance the capacity of radio to deliver diverse, accessible, and accurate information to all citizens—reinforcing the vital role that public broadcasting plays in national development and social cohesion.

Ms. Rebecca Ekpe, Public Affairs Officer at the Ghana Journalists Association, raised concerns over the mandates of media regulatory bodies such as the National Media Commission and the National Communications Authority, which she said must be clearly defined.

She emphasised the need to tackle misinformation and disinformation, which threaten Ghana’s media ecosystem and democracy, as part of the constitutional amendment process.

Mr. Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa, stated that about 70 per cent of radio stations in the country are owned by politicians and are often used to advance partisan interests.

He expressed concern over the growing trend of using social media platforms to commit fraud, promote money-doubling schemes, and advertise all kinds of unapproved herbal concoctions.

He therefore urged the CRC to review media-related provisions of the Constitution, including those concerning media content regulation and the process for securing frequency authorisation from the National Communications Authority.

Other speakers at the forum called on the CRC to address issues such as media guidelines, social media regulation, media content control, and hate speech in the ongoing constitutional review process.

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Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, he stated that he has no reason to doubt that the process will bring significant changes to Ghana’s governance framework.

“We are a committee, and our report will be submitted to the President, who initiated our appointments. Two weeks ago, we had the opportunity to meet with him as our first stakeholder. At the meeting, we provided an update on our work since our inauguration and also sought his views on various constitutional matters based on his experience as both President and former Vice President,” he said.

Prof. Prempeh explained that while the President plays a key role in the process, he does not have the final say.

“The President is only one of the gatekeepers. Once we clear his level, the proposals would have to go through Parliament because constitutional reform is essentially lawmaking. It has to be presented as a bill and passed by Parliament,” he noted.

He added that if the reforms involve non-entrenched provisions, Parliament will have the authority to pass them. However, for entrenched clauses, a broader national engagement will be required.

Prof. Prempeh emphasized that the review is part of the President’s commitment to a governance reset, which was a key campaign promise.

“The President has the mandate and responsibility to fulfill that pledge. I strongly believe this process will lead to positive outcomes,” he stated.

While he could not predict how many proposals would be approved, he urged Ghanaians to remain engaged in the process.

“If Ghanaians truly desire change, they will achieve it. It is up to us to stay involved and push for the reforms we want to see,” he said.

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The updated schedule was announced in a statement issued on Monday, March 10, 2025, as part of the committee’s broader effort to gather input from Ghanaians on potential amendments to the 1992 Constitution.

The revised nationwide engagements will take place in Accra from April 7 to 8, Tamale and Bolgatanga from April 10 to 11, Wa from April 14 to 15, and Sunyani from April 22 to 23.

Kumasi will host the engagements from April 25 to 26, followed by Takoradi and Cape Coast from April 29 to 30. The process will continue in Koforidua from May 5 to 6 and conclude in Ho from May 8 to 9.

The committee is encouraging individuals, organizations, and other stakeholders to actively participate in these engagements to ensure an inclusive and representative review process.

Submissions can be made via email at submissions@constitutionreviewgh.org, through the interactive website www.constitutionreviewgh.org, or in person by delivering written submissions to the CRC Secretariat.

The committee urges all Ghanaians to take advantage of these platforms to share their views on constitutional reforms.

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He emphasized that their work will not be in vain and will focus on strengthening Ghana’s democratic institutions.

During the swearing-in ceremony on Thursday, January 30, 2025, Mahama stressed that the review process is not politically motivated but aims to serve the best interests of the country.

“The exercise is not about any political party, it is about Ghana,” he stated.

The committee, chaired by Prof. H Kwasi Prempeh, Executive Director of CDD-Ghana, has six months to complete its task. It will focus on identifying gaps from previous constitutional review efforts, engaging stakeholders, and providing recommendations for improving Ghana’s democratic processes.

The committee members are:

1. Prof. H Kwasi Prempeh – Chairman
2. Justice Sophia Adinyirah – Member
3. Prof. Kwame Karikari – Member
4. Mrs. Charlotte Osei – Member
5. Dr. Godwin Djokoto – Member
6. Ibrahim Tanko Amidu – Member
7. Dr. Esi Ansah – Member
8. Dr. Rainer Akumperigeya – Secretary

The committee, chaired by Prof. H. Kwasi Prempeh, comprises eight members with notable expertise, including Justice Sophia Adinyirah, Mrs. Charlotte Osei, Dr. Godwin Djokoto, and Dr. Ibrahim Tanko Amidu.

Its mandate includes identifying gaps and challenges in previous constitutional review efforts, such as the 2010 and 2023 processes.

Additionally, the committee will engage stakeholders to gather input on proposed amendments to the 1992 Constitution and provide actionable recommendations to enhance democratic governance in Ghana.

The President emphasized his commitment to engaging skilled professionals to ensure the process is effective and transparent.

The committee is expected to submit its recommendations within five months for government consideration.

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