President Mahama swears in Constitutional Review Committee, calls for national focus
President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated that the work of the newly-formed Constitutional Review Committee is focused solely on the betterment of Ghana, not on any political party.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at the Jubilee House in Accra, he assured the committee members that their efforts would not be in vain.
“Your work will not be in vain, this will not be an exercise in futility…this exercise is not about any political party, it is about Ghana,” President Mahama stated.
The committee, which has six months to complete its work, is chaired by Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, the Executive Director of the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana).
It includes a distinguished group of legal scholars, political scientists, and civil society leaders, all recognised for their expertise and commitment to good governance.
The committee’s mandate is to identify gaps in previous constitutional review efforts, engage with stakeholders to gather diverse perspectives, and propose actionable recommendations to strengthen Ghana’s democratic institutions and processes.
In his address, President Mahama emphasised the importance of the review, stating, “This review is crucial to ensuring that our Constitution remains a living document, responsive to the evolving needs and aspirations of our people.”
The committee is expected to submit its recommendations by July 2025, and these are anticipated to lead to significant constitutional reforms that will shape the future of Ghana’s democracy.
Professor Prempeh, speaking on behalf of the committee members, pledged their commitment to the task ahead, saying, “For the next six months…we also pledge that we will return the trust with equal sincerity and seriousness with the sole aim of bettering the fortunes of our people.”
The President further noted that this review process is part of an ongoing national commitment to refining Ghana’s governance structures. He highlighted previous efforts, including the 2010 Constitutional Review Commission and the 2023 Constitution Review Consultative Committee, and expressed confidence that the current initiative would bring the necessary changes.
“This process must not become another chapter in the history of unfulfilled reform efforts. It must be a turning point, a moment when Ghana moves decisively from discussion to action,” he said.
The committee, which has been entrusted with this important national duty, also comprises Justice Sophia Adinyirah, Professor Kwame Karikari, Mrs. Charlotte Osei, Dr. Godwin Djokoto, Ibrahim Tanko Amidu, Dr. Esi Ansah, and Dr. Rainer Akumperigeya, who will serve as the Secretary.
In closing, President Mahama urged the committee to engage widely with citizens, stressing that the Constitution must reflect the values, hopes, and dreams of every Ghanaian.
He expressed confidence that their work would inspire trust, unite the nation, and lay the foundation for a more just, inclusive, and prosperous Ghana.