President John Dramani Mahama has officially sworn in an eight-member Constitution Review Committee tasked with assessing and recommending amendments to Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
The committee, composed of legal and governance experts, will focus on identifying key areas of the Constitution that require updates to align with the country’s evolving democratic and socio-economic realities.
Their mandate involves reviewing past recommendations, engaging relevant stakeholders, and proposing reforms that will strengthen Ghana’s governance system. Among the notable members of the committee are the former Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Charlotte Osei, and the committee’s chairman, Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh.
During the swearing-in ceremony, President Mahama underscored the significance of the committee’s work, urging them to move beyond discussions and take concrete steps toward constitutional reform. He emphasized that their task was not merely an academic exercise but a crucial process that would shape the future of Ghana’s democracy and governance.
“The task before you is critical. You are not just reviewing reports and proposing amendments; you are helping to shape the future of our dear nation, Ghana. Your mandate is to carefully examine past recommendations, identify necessary changes, and create a clear roadmap that will lead to meaningful constitutional amendments,” President Mahama stated.
He further stressed the need for action, calling on the committee to ensure that their work results in tangible reforms rather than becoming another unfulfilled attempt at constitutional review. “This process must not become another chapter in the history of unfulfilled reform efforts. It must be a turning point where Ghana moves decisively from discussions to actions. Understand the weight of responsibility that comes with this task, and I assure you that your work will not be in vain,” he added.
Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, the chairman of the committee, responded by affirming their dedication to the assignment, assuring the president and the nation of their commitment to the task at hand. He expressed the committee’s collective resolve to deliver a thorough and impactful review that would serve the interests of the Ghanaian people.
“On our part, my members and I also pledge that we will return the trust with equal sincerity and seriousness. We will pursue our task with the sole aim of bettering the fortunes of the people, setting us on a course of progress and development, and helping you, Mr. President, to fulfill the pledge that you have made,” Professor Prempeh stated.
The Constitution Review Committee includes the following members:
- 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
The formation of the committee comes at a crucial time when Ghana continues to navigate its democratic journey and seeks to address key governance challenges through legal and institutional reforms. With the country’s democratic landscape evolving, there has been a growing call for amendments to certain constitutional provisions to ensure that governance structures remain effective and responsive to contemporary needs.
The 1992 Constitution has served as the foundation of Ghana’s democratic governance for over three decades. While it has provided stability, critics argue that some aspects need revision to address emerging challenges and enhance democratic accountability. Issues such as presidential term limits, the powers of the executive, judicial independence, and the role of local governance structures have been widely debated, prompting the need for a comprehensive review.
By appointing this committee, President Mahama aims to facilitate an inclusive, consultative, and transparent process that will result in meaningful constitutional reforms. The committee is expected to engage a wide range of stakeholders, including legal experts, political actors, civil society organizations, and the general public, to ensure that the proposed amendments reflect the aspirations of the Ghanaian people.
The work of the committee is expected to build on previous constitutional review efforts, including recommendations made by past commissions and legal experts. However, President Mahama made it clear that the primary goal is not just to revisit past discussions but to ensure that real change is implemented.
To achieve this, the committee will examine a wide range of constitutional issues, including governance structures, the separation of powers, the electoral system, and mechanisms for ensuring greater transparency and accountability in public office. The ultimate objective is to strengthen democratic institutions and create a governance framework that promotes political stability, economic development, and social progress.
The committee’s work is also expected to have a direct impact on Ghana’s legal and institutional landscape, as any proposed amendments will require parliamentary approval and, in some cases, a national referendum. Given the significance of constitutional reform, the process will involve extensive consultation and public engagement to ensure broad-based support for any proposed changes.
Ghanaians from all walks of life are expected to contribute to the process by sharing their perspectives and concerns regarding the Constitution. The committee is likely to hold public forums, stakeholder meetings, and expert consultations to gather input from diverse sections of society.
As Ghana embarks on this critical constitutional review process, expectations are high that the committee’s work will lead to substantive reforms that address governance challenges and enhance democratic accountability. The government has assured the public that the process will be conducted with the highest level of transparency and integrity, ensuring that the final recommendations reflect the collective will of the Ghanaian people.
President Mahama has reiterated his administration’s commitment to implementing the necessary reforms that will strengthen Ghana’s democracy and governance framework. He has assured the committee of his full support and called on all Ghanaians to actively participate in the process to ensure that the final constitutional amendments are truly representative of the nation’s aspirations.
As the committee embarks on its mandate, the nation will be watching closely, hopeful that this initiative will result in lasting constitutional reforms that will shape Ghana’s democratic future for generations to come.
