In a significant move to strengthen Ghana’s democratic governance, President John Dramani Mahama has inaugurated a Constitutional Review Committee tasked with revisiting the 1992 Constitution. This initiative aims to address gaps, adapt to evolving governance needs, and reinforce the country’s democratic foundations.
Committee Composition and Leadership
The newly formed committee is chaired by renowned constitutional expert Prof. H Kwasi Prempeh and includes a diverse array of distinguished professionals with vast experience in governance and public service. The committee members are:
- Prof. H Kwasi Prempeh – Chairman
- Justice Sophia Adinyirah – Member
- Prof. Kwame Karikari – Member
- Mrs. Charlotte Osei – Member
- Dr. Godwin Djokoto – Member
- Ibrahim Tanko Amidu – Member
- Dr. Esi Ansah – Member
- Dr. Rainer Akumperigeya – Secretary
This composition reflects a balance of legal, academic, and governance expertise, underscoring the committee’s capacity to tackle the complex task of constitutional reform.
Mandate and Objectives
The committee’s primary mandate is to review Ghana’s 1992 Constitution comprehensively. It will focus on:
- Identifying gaps and inefficiencies in the current constitution.
- Analyzing the implementation outcomes of previous review efforts, including the 2010 Constitution Review Commission and the 2023 Constitution Review Consultative Committee.
- Engaging with stakeholders to gather diverse perspectives on necessary amendments.
- Proposing actionable recommendations to address current governance challenges.
President Mahama’s Commitment to Reform
President Mahama emphasized the importance of this initiative in his statement, highlighting the committee’s crucial role in strengthening Ghana’s democratic institutions. He lauded the members for their expertise and dedication to national service.
“This committee represents our commitment to ensuring that the Constitution reflects the aspirations of the Ghanaian people and addresses the challenges of modern governance,” the President remarked.
Timeline and Deliverables
The committee has been given a five-month timeline to submit its recommendations to the government. These proposals will serve as the basis for legislative and possibly public consultations aimed at amending the Constitution to align with contemporary governance needs.
Stakeholder Engagement
A critical aspect of the committee’s work will involve consultations with a wide range of stakeholders, including civil society organizations, legal practitioners, academics, political leaders, and the general public. This participatory approach is expected to foster broad-based support for any proposed changes.
A Path Towards Democratic Renewal
The establishment of the Constitutional Review Committee marks a pivotal step in Ghana’s journey toward democratic renewal. The 1992 Constitution has served as the foundation of Ghana’s Fourth Republic, but evolving challenges necessitate reforms to address gaps and adapt to new realities.
As the committee begins its work, Ghanaians will keenly anticipate its recommendations, which could shape the future of governance and democracy in the country.
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