Barring any unexpected delays, the Constitution Review Committee (CRC) is expected to submit a draft report on the review of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution to President John Dramani Mahama by the first week of October.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, Dr. Rainer Akumperigya, Secretary of the CRC, stated:
“We are working diligently to finalise the draft report and plan to present it to the President by the end of September or early October. We’ve consulted a wide range of stakeholders, including the Council of State and the Trades Union Congress (TUC), and are thoroughly reviewing all submissions received.”
Dr. Akumperigya highlighted key issues raised during public engagements and consultations. These include the imposition of presidential term limits, reducing the extensive powers of the President, the appointment of ministers from Parliament, and the election of metropolitan, municipal, and district chief executives (MMDCEs).
Amendment Process
He clarified that the committee’s responsibilities will extend beyond the submission of the draft. The CRC will continue to collaborate with both Parliament and the Executive to support implementation and offer necessary clarifications and explanations to stakeholders.
Recommendations from the committee will be presented in the form of draft bills for parliamentary consideration. For entrenched constitutional provisions, amendments will require a national referendum, which must secure at least 40% voter turnout and 75% approval.
To enhance the quality of its work, the CRC has consulted experts from various jurisdictions, including former Supreme Court justices and constitutional law scholars, to draw insights from global best practices. However, Dr. Akumperigya emphasized that the final recommendations will be adapted to reflect Ghana’s unique democratic and socio-economic context.
Acknowledgements
The CRC expressed deep appreciation to the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) for its crucial role in organising zonal stakeholder engagements. The committee also acknowledged the support and contributions of traditional authorities, including chiefs and Tindaana, regional ministers, MMDCEs, civil society organisations (CSOs), persons with disabilities (PWDs), and the general public, whose input greatly enriched the review process.
Background
President John Dramani Mahama inaugurated the CRC on January 25 under the leadership of Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh. The committee was mandated to identify and propose amendments to key areas of the 1992 Constitution, taking into account Ghana’s evolving democratic landscape and socio-economic development. Its work also involves reviewing past reform proposals and engaging with stakeholders to enhance governance and constitutional integrity.
