The Constitution Review Committee (CRC), responsible for assessing and recommending changes to Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, has thus far gathered over 500 contributions from various stakeholders through both online platforms and face-to-face interactions.
Comprising experts in law and governance, the committee’s objective is to pinpoint areas of the Constitution that require updates to align with Ghana’s changing democratic and socio-economic landscape.
In fulfilling its mandate, the CRC will also review previous recommendations, identify essential reforms, and create a comprehensive plan for constitutional amendments.
Dr. Rainer Akumperigya, the Secretary of the CRC, characterized the stakeholder consultations as fruitful, indicating that the committee has received written input from a diverse array of institutions and individuals.
Contributors include the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), former officials from the Electoral Commission, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) specializing in natural resource governance, such as the Africa Centre for Energy Policy.
From the academic sector, Professors Kwame Gyan, Kofi Quashiga, and Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua from the University of Ghana have provided proposals to support the review process.
Furthermore, the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has submitted recommendations through two prominent figures—former Speaker of Parliament Professor Mike Aaron Oquaye and former Chief Justice Justice Sophia Akuffo. Contributions have also been made by engineers and various professional organizations.
Dr. Akumperigya mentioned that the committee has engaged with former President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House to benefit from his extensive experience as an assemblyman, Member of Parliament, Vice President, and President.
“The Committee will also consult with other branches of government—the Legislature and Judiciary—to gather their insights, as well as with former Presidents and Vice Presidents to enhance our efforts,” he remarked.
Committee Establishes Strategic Framework for Inclusive Engagement.
Dr. Akumperigya indicated that since its establishment in February, the committee has concentrated on formulating a detailed strategy to direct its activities. This strategy encompasses the establishment of timelines, the determination of engagement methods, and the allocation of resources.
The committee has adopted two primary methods for consultations: stakeholder engagements and validation sessions.
He also mentioned that President Akufo-Addo had previously announced intentions to hold a National Constitutional Validation Conference prior to the committee’s formation. To prevent redundancy, the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) suggested integrating the conference into its zonal engagement framework, a proposal that received the President’s endorsement.
As part of this strategy, the nation has been segmented into eight zones that encompass all 16 regions, with Tamale and Bolgatanga combined into one zone. The other zones include Wa, Sunyani, Kumasi, Takoradi, Cape Coast, and Koforidua, while Accra will act as the central hub for stakeholder interactions.
The zonal engagements are accessible to the public, including traditional leaders, educational institutions, student unions, women’s organizations, and groups advocating for disability rights.
Dr. Akumperigya also detailed the committee’s thematic areas of focus, which include the governance of land and natural resources, decentralization, local government and chieftaincy, as well as public services and enterprises.
Additional topics under consideration involve independent constitutional entities such as the Electoral Commission, National Media Commission, Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, National Commission for Civic Education, Auditor-General, and Audit Service.
The functions of the three branches of government—the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary—are also being examined, along with issues related to public finance, the Central Bank, discretionary authority, and dual citizenship.
Dr. Akumperigya emphasized that the Constitution specifies the procedures for amending both entrenched and non-entrenched provisions.
In the case of non-entrenched clauses, Parliament has the authority to amend them once the necessary voting thresholds are achieved. With the NDC currently holding a majority in Parliament, addressing these amendments could be accomplished with relative ease, he clarified.
Conversely, he pointed out that for entrenched provisions, the committee is anticipated to present a timeline, a strategic plan, and a roadmap for the government to execute any suggested reforms.
He further stated that the final report will take into account the efforts of previous committees, including the Constitution Review Commission led by Prof. Albert K. Fiadjoe, while also incorporating significant recent developments in governance.
