Ghana’s Constitution Review Committee (CRC), established to evaluate and propose reforms to the 1992 Constitution, has received over 500 submissions from various stakeholders through both online platforms and in-person consultations.
Comprising legal and governance experts, the CRC is mandated to assess existing constitutional provisions, review past recommendations, and chart a clear path for modernizing the Constitution in line with Ghana’s evolving democratic and socio-economic landscape.
According to Dr. Rainer Akumperigya, Secretary to the Committee, the stakeholder engagement process has been highly productive, attracting inputs from civil society organisations, NGOs, former Electoral Commission officials, and academics such as Professors Kwame Gyan, Kofi Quashiga, and Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua.
Notable contributions also came from the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) via former Speaker of Parliament Prof. Mike Oquaye and former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo, along with submissions from engineers and professional bodies.
Dr. Akumperigya confirmed that the Committee had met with former President John Dramani Mahama to draw on his extensive governance experience, and plans are in place to consult the Legislature, Judiciary, and other former heads of state.
Strategic Approach and Nationwide Engagements
Since its inauguration in February, the CRC has focused on building a strategic framework to guide its work—defining timelines, consultation formats, and resource allocation.
To avoid duplicating efforts, the CRC’s proposed zonal engagement framework has absorbed the President’s earlier plan for a National Constitutional Validation Conference. The nation has been divided into eight zones across the 16 regions, with Accra serving as the central hub. Zonal forums will be held in Tamale-Bolgatanga, Wa, Sunyani, Kumasi, Takoradi, Cape Coast, and Koforidua.
These sessions are open to the public, including traditional leaders, educational institutions, women’s groups, student unions, and disability rights organisations.
Key Areas Under Review
Thematic areas being addressed include:
- Land and natural resource governance
- Decentralisation and local government
- Chieftaincy and public service reform
- Independent constitutional bodies (e.g., Electoral Commission, CHRAJ, NCCE, Auditor-General)
- Roles of the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary
- Public finance, Central Bank operations, discretionary powers, and dual citizenship
Dr. Akumperigya emphasized that non-entrenched clauses may be amended by Parliament if the required voting threshold is met—something feasible under the current NDC majority. However, entrenched provisions will require a detailed plan and timeline, to be outlined in the Committee’s final recommendations.
The final report will build on earlier efforts, including those of the Prof. Albert K. Fiadjoe-led Commission, while incorporating current governance realities and challenges.
