The Constitution Review Committee has suggested extensive reforms to the governance structure of Ghana, which include extending electoral terms, streamlining the executive branch, and enhancing the independence of institutions.
The Committee’s Chairman, Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, submitted the final report to President John Dramani Mahama on Monday, December 22, detailing recommendations designed to fortify governance and enhance the Constitution’s effectiveness.
If these proposals are accepted, they would alter the balance of power among the Executive, Parliament, and independent institutions, while also increasing citizen engagement in constitutional governance.
Key recommendations highlighted in the report consist of:
• Extension of electoral terms
A proposal has been made to lengthen the terms of the President and Members of Parliament from four years to five. The committee contends that this change would provide governments with additional time to execute policies and decrease the frequency and expenses associated with elections.
• Separation of Parliament from the Executive
The committee advocates for a distinct separation between Parliament and the Executive, suggesting that Members of Parliament should no longer serve as ministers. This adjustment, as stated in the report, aims to enhance legislative oversight and minimize conflicts of interest.
• Cap on the size of government
To address executive overreach, the committee has recommended establishing a strict limit on the size of government, capping the number of ministers of state — including deputies — at no more than 57.
• Reform of state land administration
Another significant recommendation aims to overhaul the management of state lands. The committee proposes that public lands be held in trust for the citizens of Ghana, with the administration entrusted to the Lands Commission to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Strengthening independent constitutional bodies
The report further advocates for reforms in the appointment processes of essential constitutional bodies, such as the Electoral Commission, promoting selections based on merit to protect these institutions from political interference.
• Abolition of the death penalty
Regarding criminal justice, the committee has suggested the total elimination of the death penalty from the Constitution, thereby aligning Ghana’s legal framework with the evolving standards of international human rights.
• Election of local government heads
At the local governance level, the committee recommends the direct election of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives, a reform intended to enhance accountability and fortify grassroots democracy.
• Citizen-initiated constitutional amendments
The report also aims to broaden citizens’ constitutional rights by permitting individuals to propose amendments to the Constitution, contingent upon obtaining adequate public support.
• Creation of an independent anti-corruption body
In the battle against corruption, the committee has suggested the formation of an independent anti-corruption commission endowed with exclusive prosecutorial powers, distinct from existing state institutions.
• Parliamentary eligibility for dual citizens
Furthermore, the committee proposes removing barriers that prevent Ghanaians with dual citizenship from running for parliamentary elections.
President Mahama is anticipated to review the report and commence consultations regarding subsequent actions, including potential constitutional amendments and legislative measures.
In the meantime, President John Dramani Mahama has declared that the government will start implementing the recommendations of the Constitution Review Committee at the beginning of next year, following the submission of its final report.
Upon receiving the report at Jubilee House, President Mahama stated that the constitutional review process has concluded, and attention will now turn to implementation, which he indicated would be conducted in a bipartisan fashion.
“Have a wonderful Christmas, and as soon as we reconvene early next year, we will transition from the constitutional review phase to the implementation phase,” the President remarked. “At the beginning of next year, we will disclose the formation of an implementation committee, and naturally, we will invite some of you to participate,” he added.
