The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has given assurances that the upcoming December 7 elections will not disrupt the work of the Constitution Review Consultative Committee. The Committee, which was established by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, is charged with gathering input from citizens and stakeholders on how best to review Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
Concerns have been raised by some observers about the timing of the Committee’s work, which comes just three months ahead of the general election. Critics argue that the national focus on the electoral process may overshadow the review of such a significant document. However, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu firmly dismissed these concerns, stating that the electoral process would not interfere with the Committee’s ability to carry out its mandate.
In his remarks, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu pointed out that constitutional amendments have been successfully carried out in previous election years. He referenced the period following the 1996 presidential and general elections as an example, when significant amendments to the 1992 Republican Constitution were made. According to the Minister, this history demonstrates that constitutional reforms can be achieved during an election year, and the Committee’s work should not be constrained by the timing of the elections.
“I have heard people opine that in an election year, there is not much that can be done when it comes to constitutional amendment. With the greatest respect, I beg to differ,” Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu stated. He elaborated that the amendments made to the 1992 Constitution took place in 1996, after the elections in November and December of that year, suggesting that there is precedent for continuing this important work even during a politically charged period.
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s reassurances aim to calm fears that the Constitution Review Consultative Committee’s efforts could be stalled or overshadowed by the election campaign. The Committee’s role is seen as crucial to shaping the future governance of the country, and any delays in its work could potentially set back important reforms.
The 1992 Constitution, which was drafted following the return to democratic rule in Ghana, has been widely regarded as a key pillar of the country’s political stability. However, over the years, there have been growing calls for certain sections of the document to be amended to better reflect the current realities and challenges facing the country.
Issues such as the concentration of power in the executive branch, the duration of the presidential term, and the selection process for key public offices have been areas of debate among legal scholars, politicians, and civil society groups.
The Constitution Review Consultative Committee’s task is to gather views from a wide range of stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and ordinary citizens, to ensure that any proposed amendments are informed by a broad consensus.
The Committee’s work is expected to culminate in a report that will serve as a blueprint for the amendment process.
As the December elections approach, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu remains confident that the Committee’s work can proceed without significant disruptions. His confidence is rooted in the belief that constitutional reforms are an ongoing process and should not be delayed because of the electoral calendar.
By invoking the example of 1996, the Minister is underscoring the government’s commitment to seeing through the consultation process, regardless of the political climate.
The review of the 1992 Constitution is seen as a necessary step in Ghana’s democratic evolution. Since the document was enacted over 30 years ago, the country has experienced significant political, economic, and social changes.
While the Constitution has provided a solid foundation for governance, many believe that certain provisions need to be updated to address emerging issues such as corruption, decentralization, and the role of traditional authorities in the governance structure.
The Constitution Review Consultative Committee’s work is likely to focus on these and other areas of concern, ensuring that the document remains relevant to the needs and aspirations of the Ghanaian people.
Although the timing of the Committee’s work has raised questions, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s assurances suggest that the government is determined to see the review process through to completion.
As the country prepares for the December elections, the focus will inevitably shift towards the political campaigns and the contest for power. However, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s statements indicate that the work of the Constitution Review Consultative Committee will continue unabated.
The Minister’s remarks also highlight the government’s belief that constitutional reforms should not be relegated to the background, even during an election year, as these reforms are critical to the country’s long-term governance and development.
In conclusion, the upcoming December 7 elections will not derail the Constitution Review Consultative Committee’s work. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s confidence in the Committee’s ability to operate alongside the electoral process is backed by historical precedent and the government’s commitment to ensuring that constitutional reforms remain a priority for Ghana.
As the review process unfolds, it will provide an opportunity for Ghanaians to engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of their country’s governance and the ways in which the Constitution can be amended to better serve the people.
